The 2013 Safe Schools are Smart Schools competition has uncovered 15 Australian schools dedicated to putting a stop to bullying.

School Education Minister Peter Garrett announced the winning schools today as part of the third National Day of action Against Bullying and Violence.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our schools safe and these schools are leading the way in showing the wider community what it means to stand together against bullying and violence,” Mr Garrett said.

“Nearly 100 schools entered the competition and the calibre of entries was incredibly high.

“The winners of our Safe Schools are Smart Schools competition should all be proud of the work they are doing to create a respectful, inclusive and safe learning environment.

“Our message is clear and the schools are saying it loud - we say no way to bullying in all shapes and forms including cyber bullying, physical violence, harassment and discrimination.”

The winning schools have implemented a diverse range of whole of school initiatives including a peer-support and mentoring program, a playground buddies system, a wellbeing and mental health forum, an after-school support program, a cyber disco and a dramatic performance.

The winning schools will receive a $5000 voucher to purchase school resources, as well as a ClassMovies System starter pack to film and produce a video about their Safe Schools are Smart Schools initiative, allowing them to share their story with other schools.

The Safe Schools are Smart Schools competition was open to all Government, Catholic and independent primary and secondary schools in Australia.

Schools focused their entry on activities that addressed issues including bullying, cyberbullying, violence, discrimination, harassment and mental health. Entries could also contain a creative element such as a video, story, song, artwork or poster.

The Safe Schools Hub has also been launched today as a one-stop shop for information and resources on a range of safe school strategies that are underpinned by the National Safe Schools Framework.

The National Safe Schools Framework is the first of its kind in the world and offers guiding principles that help school communities develop positive and practical student safety and wellbeing policies.

“The Gillard Government is investing almost $4 million to develop online tools and resources for schools to actively adopt the National Safe Schools Framework, because we want all Australian students to be safe both inside and outside the school gates,” Mr Garrett said.

For more information on the competition and winning entries, visit: www.deewr.gov.au/safe-schools-are-smart-schools-competition.

The Safe Schools Hub can be accessed at www.safeschoolshub.edu.au.