Dolly's tragic legacy leaves mark on Warwick schools

IN THE aftermath of the tragic suicide of Amy "Dolly” Everett, the issue of bullying was thrust firmly into the nation's spotlight and people took notice.

Cyber bullying is a pervasive, relentless and cowardly form of attack.Photo Luka Kauzlaric / The Observer. Picture: Luka Kauzlaric

IN THE aftermath of the tragic suicide of Amy "Dolly” Everett, the issue of bullying was thrust firmly into the nation's spotlight and people everywhere took notice.

In Warwick, as the awareness of youth suicide became heightened, schools have paid tribute to Dolly with fund raising and awareness campaigns as well as concerted efforts to make sure the tragedy wouldn't be repeated.

At the Warwick Christian College, principal Carmelo Rubio said it was important the school had a well-organised and serious approach to the issue.

"We need to make sure that sort of thing never happens here or anywhere we have an influence,” he said.

"At the Warwick Christian College, we've set in place a life education program from a Christian perspective, which in part deals with bullying, cyber-bullying and the use of technology.”

Mr Rubio said Dolly was a topic of conversation around the school.

"Kids did come up and ask questions and make comments and when that we happened we let them talk, gave them the time to express how they felt,” he said.

"This tragedy heightened the importance around talking about bullying.

"That is hugely important - this isn't something you can go back and fix later.

"You need to be able to look back and know you did everything you could.

"Children have to know that hiding these thoughts is not the right way to handle it, they need to know it's ok to speak up, to know that my door is always open and I'm always to listen.”

Warwick Central State School principal Christine Dolley said students held a free-dress fundraiser on Tuesday for Dolly's Dream Foundation.

"The kids all got dressed up in blue,” she said.

"It was very well supported and all funds raised went towards the charity.”

Dolly Everett was a student at Scots PGC College and principal Kyle Thompson said he couldn't comment on anything relating to what was an ongoing police investigation.

"However we are still extremely conscious of making sure we provide whatever support is needed to any member of our community who may be affected by this.”

A response from the Department of Education and Training had not been received by the time this story went to print.