On the 17th of May, as a school, we celebrated Pink Shirt Day

Kia ora e te whānau o te Kōtuku, 

On the 17th of May, as a school, we celebrated Pink Shirt Day. It was a day filled with vibrant colours, creative activities, and most importantly, a powerful message of kindness and inclusivity. This year, we partnered with the Mental Health foundation which supports Inside Out. A charity dedicated to supporting rainbow rangatahi (young people) in Aotearoa. Through a combined effort, we managed to raise hundreds of dollars to contribute to their vital work.

History behind pink shirt day 

Pink Shirt Day started in Canada in 2007. A new student wore a pink shirt to school and was bullied for it. Two classmates saw what happened and decided to stand up for him. They bought pink shirts for their friends and classmates to wear the next day. Hundreds of students showed up in pink, sending a message of unity and kindness. This act of solidarity grew into Pink Shirt Day, a global movement to stop bullying and promote a more inclusive environment in schools. 

Our school community embraced this message wholeheartedly, with students and teachers working together to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause. The purpose of this day was to spread awareness about bullying plus the lgbtqia+ community and learn about how to reduce bullying and have a kinder human capital. Throughout the week, we had numerous activities to help celebrate. 

Now, let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit the amazing activities that made this Pink Shirt Day and the week unforgettable:

Our Peer Mediators created a fantastic pink photo frame that became a popular sight during breaks. Students across all year levels were very excited to take pictures with the frame, showcasing their support for the cause and capturing memories of a united school. 

The year 12 Health students brought vibrancy to the school with a variety of engaging activities. They transformed the S block area with positive messages and drawings in colourful chalk, offered face painting for those who wanted to add a touch of pink flair, and even displayed handmade jewellery for purchase in the school market. The "Complimentary Jar and board" brimming with kind words and the "Guess the Lollipops" game added a fun and interactive element to the festivities. 

The Fairy Breads group went above and beyond with a delicious bake sale after school. Their delectable treats not only raised a significant amount of money but also created a positive and cheerful atmosphere as students left for the day

The Peer Sexuality Support team understood the importance of education in tackling misconceptions. They created a special Kahoot! quiz for tutor classes, focusing on LGBTQIA+ topics and promoting understanding and inclusivity. 

Several Year 12 Health classes took the initiative to conduct surveys and even delivered presentations to junior classes. This proactive approach helped raise awareness amongst younger students, ensuring that the message of Pink Shirt Day continues to resonate throughout the year.  

These are just a few highlights of the many remarkable contributions students and teachers made to Pink Shirt Day. It was truly a collective effort, fueled by a shared desire to promote kindness and acceptance.

The impact of Pink Shirt Day goes beyond the activities and fundraising. It's about fostering a school environment where everyone feels safe and respected. It's about standing up for those who are targeted and creating a space where everyone belongs.

Continuing the Conversation at Home

We encourage all whānau (families) to continue the conversation about Pink Shirt Day at home. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Explain the importance of kindness and how bullying can affect others.

• Encourage your children to be allies to those who might be feeling excluded or targeted.

• Celebrate diversity and create a safe space for open communication about any questions or experiences related to bullying or LGBTQIA+ identities.

• If you have personal stories about bullying or the importance of inclusivity, share them with your children to create a connection and open up a dialogue.

Supporting Students Who Need Help

If your child ever experiences bullying at school, please know that we are here to help. We have dedicated deans and teachers who can offer support and guidance.

• You can report bullying anonymously using the Stymie platform at Stymie Website or find it on the school bridge.

• Students can also report bullying directly to their year level deans. Contact information for the deans is provided below:

  • Year 9 Dean: Miss Winter ([email protected] )

  • Year 10 Dean: Mr Glimore ([email protected] ) 

  • Year 11 Dean: Ms Simpson ([email protected] )

  • Year 12 Dean: Miss Cumming ([email protected] ) 

  • Year 13 Dean: Mr Jefferies( [email protected]

 by Mehnaz Intisar and Sunny Huang