Why not add a little colour to your day? That's what many in Wilkie did April 10. But it wasn't just for any reason. It was in support of the Canadian Red Cross Day of Pink. The day was a time to stand together, stand up to bullying and raise awareness about the impact of bullying.
Members of the community donned their pieces of pink in support as well as the students and staff of Norman Carter School. The staff of Norman Carter united in solidarity, all wearing the official Day of Pink shirt. The message "Imagine no bullying" lined the back of the shirt in large black font, a message we all are working towards. It was the first year the school participated in the event but it went over well with support not only from the staff, but from students who sported pink in many different ways.
In advance, students had read the Pink Shirt Protest from the Canadian Reader and did a follow-up brainstorming activity about what to say to a bully and how to help a victim who is bullied. From friendship themed activities to studying the 3 Rs in dealing with bullies - Recognize bullying behavior, Refuse to be bullied and Report bullying behavior - to reading anti-bullying books from the No Bullies Allowed series, which had students consider their own reactions to a situation, classes participated in activities focused on the day's theme.
The Grade 5 and 6 class had the opportunity to re-sign the Power of One board, that some had originally signed in 2007 as part of an anti-bullying presentation. There was also a surprise visit from Larry Goodall who made pink balloon creatures with the Grade 2s. The SLC went to each classroom promoting the message: "Don't be a bully; stop a bully" as they handed out 'Stop Bullying' bracelets, purchased from Scholastic, to all of the students.
The day had an impact on the students. A youngster had told me days before that he was scared to wear a pink shirt to school. He thought he would be made fun of. But on Wednesday, he ended up proudly showing off his pink shirt and told me how happy he was that he did wear it.
The movement against bullying is huge and gaining momentum. Communities are becoming more vigilant, banding together to protect their children from the outcomes of bullying. According to the Crossroads newspaper, the town of Eston has implemented an anti-bullying bylaw; which "allows their local peace officers to give fines to anyone found guilty of bullying."
Each small step we take as a community will lead to a place where our kids feel safe being who they are without feeling the impact of bullying. And we will get there, slowly but surely.
