The anti-bullying group program is based on the Rock & Water Program. The Rock & Water Program was developed by Freerk Yekema from the Netherlands and brings together the two worlds of Karate and Tai Chi. Andrew has successfully coordinated Rock & Water groups for the past 8 years. The Rock & Water program is a very physically orientated anti-bullying program that enhances young people’s ability to stand strong both physically and mentally. It presents extremely unique therapeutic lessons that address bullying using fun, competitive and action oriented lessons and activities. The focus is on developing new skills and coping strategies. The aim of the eight week program is to enhance young people’s:

• Self esteem and help them develop a suit of armour of resiliency:
• Self confidence:
• Self awareness;
• Awareness of their own and others personal space;
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills;
• Ability to deal with strong emotions and stay calm;
• Ability to effectively ignore bullies;
• Ability to effectively walk away with strength from bullies.

The outline of the Rock & Water Program that addresses bullying is detailed below in very broad themes and topics that are covered each week. Each lesson is 2hrs in duration and only allows up to 10 participants.

Lesson 1 – Introduction & Standing Strong                                  

Lesson 2 – Breathing Strength & Confident Walking

Lesson 3 – Standing Strong with Your Friends

Lesson 4 - The Personal Space Around Me    

Lesson 5 – My Rock & Water Castle

Lesson 6 – Walking Away Strong with Flaming Eyes

Lesson 7 – The Best Defence & Review of Lessons

Lesson 8 – My Ultimate Challenge & Breakthrough

The Rock and Water anti-bullying groups will begin first week of Term 3, 2009. Groups are held at the READ Clinic at Gosford. Cost of groups is $50.00 per 2 hour lesson. A Medicare rebate may apply if you obtain a referral for your child to attend the group from your GP. If you would like to enrol or find out additional information about the groups, please contact Andrew Sozomenou, Belinda Nixon or Nada Potter at the READ Clinic (ph: 4324 6633 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ). 

Web sites:These websites include practical advice about bullying for parents and families and young people:

http://www.reachout.com.auhttp://www.bullyingnoway.com.au (detailed below)http://www.bullying.org/help.htmlhttp://www.kidshelp.com.au/INFO7linksforparents.htm

http://www.parenting.sa.gov/pegs/29.pdf

Bullying. No way! has been created by Australia's educational communities—including State, Territory and Commonwealth government education departments, and Catholic and independent education sectors and students, staff, parents, from around the country.  

The site Bullying. No way! www. bullyingnoway.com.au/ is divided into 5 areas:

The Issues section allows you to examine the deeper issues that underpin bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence and to create change through approaches that engage and empower the whole school community.

Talk Out places the spotlight on a current hot topic. This month the focus is on cyber bullying. In Talk Out you can read profiles and information on what researchers and practitioners are working on to make a difference. The option is also available to discuss issues important to your school community in one of the forums. Resources allows you to locate a specific type of resource across various areas: legislation, policies/procedures, teaching materials, support services, information sources. Browse topics including behaviour management, gender equity, cultural diversity, and Indigenous education. Chill Out Space allows you to find out the facts about power, bullying and harassment, discrimination and violence. In Chill out space you can visit galleries of great student artwork and stories. Ideas box allows you to explore evidence based whole school strategies. You can also access case studies from Australian school communities.