Better Buddies Program

The School has been successful in receiving the Better Buddies Framework through an application submitted in 2012. The school is currently working through the framework in 2013, aiming to implement the program for the beginning of the new school year in 2014. Below is some information regarding the Better Buddies Framework which has been accessed from the following link: www.betterbuddies.org.au .

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Better Buddies Framework is an initiative designed to create friendly and caring primary school communities where bullying is reduced.

Through Better Buddies, children in their first and last year of primary school buddy up and learn the values: caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility. All children in the school learn these values through formal and informal activities, including their interactions with the mascot Buddy Bear, our giant, fun-loving and caring purple bear.

Better Buddies enables younger children to feel safe and cared for while older children feel valued and respected. It is designed to enhance existing buddy programs or introduce a buddy program to primary schools for the first time. The evidence-based framework complements existing school welfare programs, is easy to implement and links to national curriculum initiatives.

We will use the Framework to strengthen the SAEPS Buddy Program we currently have and to continue to develop the students understanding of the schools key values being respect, responsibility, cooperation and learning.

If you have any questions regarding the Better Buddies Framework please contact the school.