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Pink Power

Turning the tide on bullying
Chapel was a sea of pink Feb. 27 as the Shawnigan community donned pink shirts for Anti-Bullying Day.

In chapel, Matt Clinton-Baker, Director of School Life, laid out the events that led to what is now a national and international event aimed at turning the tide against bullying. “Pink Shirt Day” and Anti-Bullying Day began in Nova Scotia in 2007, when a Grade 9 student wore a pink polo shirt on the first day of school and was harassed and threatened for wearing pink.

 “When two Grade 12 students heard the news, they recognized it was something that wasn’t right,” said Mr. Clinton-Baker. “And they cared enough to do something about it.” As a show of support for their classmate, they bought 50 pink shirts and gave them to their friends to wear to school the next day.

That act of kindness has rippled out to greater awareness and global conversations about bullying. “Wearing a pink shirt on this day sends a strong message to victims of bullying that others care,” said Mr. Clinton-Baker. “The simple act of wearing a shirt can start conversations, and conversations can be a big step towards healing and helping.”

Mr. Clinton-Baker emphasized that the school does not tolerate bullying, and put it on each person to do their part, stressing the importance of kindness and paying attention to the little things. “Kindness starts here. How we treat each other – with smiles, and kind words – has an extremely significant impact,” said Mr. Clinton-Baker. “So change someone’s day. Hold that door. Do something that makes somebody feel better about themselves.”
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.