Photo Credit: Government of Alberta

By Shane Clausing

Pink shirt day

Pink Shirt Day puts spotlight on importance of anti-bullying

Feb 24, 2021 | 6:44 AM

February 24 is Pink Shirt Day across Canada, which encourages schools and adults across the country to wear pink and show support for anti-bullying.

Nancy Gorgichuk, the Director of Inclusive Learning for the Grande Prairie Public School Division, says while this day is important for all schools across the division and country, the GPPSD strives to make sure they always are reminding students and staff that bullying is not tolerated.

“Pink Shirt Day is just one day, but the reason that it is important for us as a school is because it does give us one day of the year where we can be unified as a school and country. For our school division and our schools though, it’s important to remember that it’s more important than just that one day.”

Heather Putio, Assistant Superintendent of the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, agrees with Gorgichuk that Pink Shirt Day is more than just one day. She feels the message about raising awareness for bullying needs to continue throughout the year.

“Peace Wapiti is encouraging and supports Pink Shirt Day as a message of anti-bullying. It’s a statement about our position on safe, and welcoming schools that promote a sense of belonging, so we are in a position about promoting kindness, acceptance and celebrating diversity in an inclusive environment.”

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Putio tells EverythingGP over her years with the division, she has seen more students become aware of the message of anti-bullying and just how big of an impact it could have on other people.

“I would note over the years, there is more attention and time dedicated to promoting messages of kindness, celebrating diversity and also an attention to bystanders.”

Gorgichuk added she’s seen a similar impact in the Grande Prairie Public Schools.

“A lot of our schools have daily lessons where they talk about social-emotional learning and talk about feelings and emotions. Many of our schools have opportunities weekly where each student gets to be the person where they practice giving compliments to others. We are in this together, it’s very important to us so we can have welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments.”

Both Gorgichuk and Putio agreed that if you or someone is being bullied, you should let somebody know and bring the situation to their attention. However, Putio says do not be a bystander, as staying quiet, even though you aren’t contributing to the cause, could be just as bad as bullying.

“If you are witness and do nothing, then you are contributing to the power of the bully. We’re looking to educate and empower all students so that they have the feeling of a right to a safe and caring environment.”

Throughout the year, both school divisions bring in guest speakers to talk about the importance of mental health and anti-bullying, to help relay the message to the students.

While schools participate in Pink Shirt Day, adults are also encouraged to wear a pink shirt and contribute to the anti-bullying message, as bullying is even a factor in adult life and workplaces.

You can learn more about it at the Pink Shirt Day website.