Suva Grammar School leaders unite to take strong stand against bullying

Suva Grammar School’s newly appointed student leaders have pledged to take a strong stand against bullying, saying it will be one of their top priorities this year.

Head boy Brendan Leo and head girl Anna Jikoibau say they are committed to creating a safer, more respectful environment for students, with both identifying bullying as a key issue affecting young people today.

Brendan, who hails from Nadrau in Navosa, said fostering a safe and respectful school environment would be central to his leadership approach. He stressed that bullying remains a serious concern in schools and that strong guidance from the prefect body will be crucial in addressing it.

“The prefect body will serve as a voice for the students,” he said. “We want to promote respect and make it clear that bullying has no place in our school.”

He said awareness and open communication would be important strategies, and plans to work with student leaders to encourage their peers to speak up and report incidents without fear.

Brendan also highlighted the value of student engagement in sports, clubs, and co‑curricular activities to build unity and teamwork.

“As leaders, we must set the example,” he said. “We want students to feel safe, supported, and proud to be part of this school.”

Head girl shares

Anna said bullying, along with rising concerns about drug use among students, would be major issues she intends to focus on throughout her term. She said strong student leadership and ongoing awareness lessons were crucial to meaningful change.

“The prefect body will serve as a voice for the students,” she said. “They can help raise awareness about the negative effects of drugs and bullying and advocate for better choices.”

Anna stressed the need to encourage participation in sports, clubs, and academic programmes as positive alternatives to risky behaviour. She said students must be supported to channel their energy into activities that strengthen their skills and character.

Beyond awareness campaigns, Anna hopes to build a school culture where students feel safe reporting concerns and seeking help. She has pledged to be an approachable leader, committed to listening to students and addressing issues with care and confidentiality.

Her vision, she said, is to promote discipline, accountability, unity, and a sense of belonging within the school, ensuring every student feels supported.

Both leaders agree that curbing bullying and drug use will require collective effort from student leaders, teachers, and the wider school community.