ST. PAUL - Schools across the region will be taking time to acknowledged Pink Shirt Day this week, promoting anti-bullying messages and overall kindness.
In the St. Paul region, "students and staff are encouraged to wear pink in support of promoting kindness, healthy relationships, and preventing bullying," according to Bridget Severin, division counselling coordinator with St. Paul Education.
She says specific events will vary by school, but all activities will focus on the same topics. Some of this year's events will include presentations and discussions on kindness and respect.
"While it is important to focus on preventing negative behaviours such as those associated with bullying, this day is also an opportunity to remind students about the positive behaviours we want to see in our schools and community every day," says Severin.
And the message goes beyond student behaviour. The school division's Administrative Procedure 350 says "it is our expectation that employees, school volunteers and students contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment in the school that reflects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others."
This welcoming and caring mentality is the foundation of all St. Paul Education's school communities.
"During presentations, students are given an opportunity to reflect on questions such as: What does kindness and respect look like to you? What are the characteristics of a healthy relationship? Why is it important to be kind and respectful?"
The day will also highlight where students and others can access support.
"In these challenging times it is so important that people know where to turn for help," say Severin, adding, "Help is always available."
In some schools, Pink Shirt Day will be acknowledged through positive notes and uplifting messages being shared. Messages on post-it notes are just one example of an easy way to spread kindness.
Other schools will focus their efforts on random acts of kindness activities, since Random Acts of Kindness Week took place from Feb. 14 to 21.
Partnerships
Community partnerships will also be highlighted during the week. The Town of St. Paul FCSS department will be delivering balloon bouquets to schools located within town to raise awareness.
The Town of St. Paul FCSS confirmed it will be acknowledging Pink Shirt Day on Feb. 24, creating awareness around the negative effects of bullying, and the different types of bullying the exist. Information about the difference between bullying and harassment is also being shared.
The school division's "Together we're better" mental health capacity program is partnering with agencies in Two Hills to 'paint the county pink' with kindness.
There will also be bulletin board, other visuals, and door decorating contents held in honour of Pink Shirt Day.
