It's Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Alberta, but the Principle of Father Lacombe Catholic School says staff and students stress that message everyday.

An example is the schools Buddy Bench program that was started about a year, and identifies a student who's in need of a friend.

Principle Dennis Cote says the whole idea behind the benches is to be kind to one another.

"It really stresses being kind to whomever is on the bench. The bench is used for new students to meet friends, for students who're having a grey day, or if you see someone sitting on the bench go and associate with them and make them feel more comfortable."

Any student who is having a bad day and could use a friend, is encouraged to sit on the bench, and another student will come invite that child to either play, or talk.

Cote says the benches are now shared by both Father Lacombe, and Upper Elementary students who share the playground area.

"Every day, winter, spring, summer or fall, you'll see someone on the bench, and you'll see other kids go to the bench to help that kid out if they need it, or just to socialize. And the one thing that I'm greatful of is that the students take care of it. You don't see them standing on it, or jumping on it. It's there for a purpose, and they know that purpose."

The Buddy Benches were built by teacher Laurie McIntosh about a year ago, and are just one way the school is combatting bullying, along with daily assemblies.