Hero photograph
 
Photo by Sarah Cumming

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora! Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

Sarah Cumming —

Lily and Maddy, Room 15 remind us of the important messages about Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day first started in 2007, when two students in Canada spoke out against homophobic bullying after another student wore a pink shirt to school. He was harassed and threatened for wearing pink, and now Aotearoa celebrates Pink Shirt Day in schools, workplaces and in public. This day of great pinkness is all about anti-bullying and what we can do to help. 94% of schools in New Zealand believe that bullying takes place in their school.

On the 22 of May, everyone at Heaton Intermediate arrived at school in their best pink outfits to stand against bullying and help create a safe environment. Some simply came in a plain pink shirt, others going all out in full costume. All gold coin donations went to The Mental Health Foundation to help everyone in need and allow people to get the help they deserve.

Events began at 12:30 pm with a pink parade. Two children from each class were nominated to walk their stuff on the catwalk! The winners of this event were Lucy, Room 10 who took first place, Ben, Room 11 who took second place and Harper, Room 16 who placed third. Good work to those who participated in this event. Thank you to everyone for helping to raise awareness for such an important cause. A special thanks to Mr Naidoo for supporting us to organise this event.

Maddy & Lily Room 15