Deerpark pupils to receive Diana Award

Iain Robertson - Iain Robertson • Published 3 Dec 2008 12:30 0 Comments

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TWO pupils from Sauchie"s Deerpark Primary will fly to London next week to pick up a prestigious award on behalf of the school.

The Diana Anti-Bullying Award is in recognition of the school"s Peer Mediators programme which sees P6 pupils give up their break-times to solve problems and arguments between kids.

Four pupils are on duty during each recess, wearing bright yellow sashes or standing beside a signpost indicating the mediation area.

Only two schools in Scotland have been invited to pick up awards at the ceremony at Canary Wharf on 15 December.

Deerpark headteacher Lorna Spence said, 'I am delighted that the excellent work of our Peer Mediators has been recognised by the Diana Anti-Bullying Trust.

'The Diana Awards Committee receive thousands of entries and for our contribution to be judged as outstanding in such a prestigious competition is a matter of great pride and celebration for the school.

'I believe the award reflects the quality of training and support provided by school staff, and the commitment and active involvement of our peer mediators to make a difference for the better in their school and their community.'

The two peer mediators chosen to travel to London are 10-year-olds Bobbie Hulston and Grace Mahoney.

It will be an extra special experience for Bobbie - she will be flying on a plane for the first time.

Bobbie said, 'I"m so excited about going to London, especially the flying and awards. It will also be great to see the sites, like the London Eye - my mum and dad are so proud of me.'

Bobbie said she enjoyed working with the other mediators to help keep the school a peaceful environment for all.

She added, 'You have to give up two breaks a week to be a Peer Mediator, but it"s worth it.

'We help sort out arguments between pupils by wearing yellow sashes so they can see where we are when they need us.'

Bobbie"s flying companion Grace is equally excited about the awards ceremony.

She said, 'I"m looking forward to London and picking up the award for Deerpark Primary School.

'Peer Mediators help the younger kids in the school and we help solve quite a lot of problems.

'We wear a sash so the younger pupils can see us. There are four mediators on duty at a time, two in the playground and two at the signpost we hold up.

'I like helping because it will be like helping your own kids when you"re older, so it"s good practice.'

The pair will be joined by homes schools liaison officer Lynn McCulloch and P6 teacher Joan Hutchison on the trip.

Joan said, 'We"re over the moon to be chosen and are all really proud to get recognition for everyone"s hard work.'

The school thanked sponsors - local firms Marshall Construction, Beatsons, and Stirling-based Grahams Metals - for financing the award winners" trip.

Robert Marshall, chairman of Marshall Construction and his nephew Ross Marshall, sales director of Beatsons Building Supplies, visited at the school to each hand over cheques for £300.

Mr Marshall said, 'We heard they had won and contacted the school to see how much they needed for the London trip and are delighted we can help fund it.'

The Deerpark team heading to the awards have also been invited to the Houses of Parliament by local MP Gordon Banks, although they may struggle to fit it in to their busy schedule.

Mr Banks said, 'I am delighted that staff and pupils at Deerpark have taken such an innovative step to tackling bullying.

'Bullying can make life miserable for those subjected to it and it is pleasing to see pupils at Deerpark doing all they can to help their fellow pupils and offer support.'

Even if they don"t manage to visit Mr Banks, they will still leave London with Westminster approval of the highest order - Prime Minister Gordon Brown signs all the Diana Anti-Bullying Award Certificates.

The Diana Awards, set up in partnership with the Anti-Bullying Alliance, are presented to young people who have tackled bullying in their schools or communities. So far over 24,000 young people in the UK hold this award, set up in memory of the late Princess.

Maggie Turner, director of the Diana Award, said, 'We would like to congratulate the young people from Deerpark Primary School and publicly recognise them for their work at this prestigious award ceremony.

'The Diana Anti-Bullying Award showcases the fantastic work that young people are doing to tackle bullying.'

This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 03 Dec 08

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