Pretty Awesome in Pink!
Apr 12, 2017
We’re in the pink! Pink was the colour of choice on Wednesday, April 12 at Lakehead Public Schools. The annual Day of Pink, a nationally recognized event to confront stereotypes, support diversity within the schools and foster safe and inclusive environments, was celebrated by the students in numerous schools.
The day originated in Nova Scotia, where a boy wore a pink shirt to school on his first day of Grade 9 and was harassed because of it. Several students in his school decided to stand up for their fellow student by asking other students to wear pink the next day. The show of solidarity stopped the bullying and helped this student feel safe coming to school.
“I am extremely proud of the efforts made by the students and staff in our various schools in how they have embraced this initiative,” says Todd Miller, Principal of Algonquin Avenue Public School and Chair of the Equity and Inclusion Working Committee. “There is no room for injustice at Lakehead Public Schools and events like this clearly demonstrate how our staff and students feel about bullying and discrimination.”
The local media were invited to attend the following events at the following schools on Wednesday, April 12:
Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute
12 noon
Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute has thrown down the gauntlet….the pink gauntlet that is! The Westgate Gay Straight Alliance sponsored a contest for the homeroom who wears the most pink. The winning classroom enjoyed a Persian Party courtesy of the GSA. The Westgate GSA also had a display table in the main hall at noon with information and an anti-bullying pledge.
Westmount Public School
11:15 a.m.
Throughout the day, students at Westmount Public School celebrated the colour pink and the power of diversity! Students celebrated diversity by decorating pink cupcakes, planting seeds in recycled juice boxes and creating special pink hand print flamingos with quotes of kindness printed on them.
1:45 p.m.
Thunder Bay Police Constable Gary Cambly donned the special pink uniform and facilitated a special Day of Pink anti-bullying presentation.
