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Photo by Julie Bassett

Pink Shirt Day - 19 May 2023

Julie Bassett —

Thank you - we raised $500

Pink Shirt Day

Today we are here to talk about a very special day called Pink Shirt Day. Pink Shirt Day is a day when we come together to show kindness, respect, and love for one another. It is a day to stand up against bullying and make a difference in our world. Today, we want to share with you what Pink Shirt Day means and how we can all contribute to making our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

First of all, let me tell you the story of Pink Shirt Day. It all began in Canada when a boy named David was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. His classmates, Travis and Tyler, saw what was happening and decided to take a stand. They went out and bought lots of pink shirts and encouraged everyone at their school to wear them the next day. When David walked into the school and saw all the pink shirts, he felt so supported and loved. That small act of kindness sparked a movement, and now Pink Shirt Day is celebrated all around the world, including here in New Zealand.

So, what does Pink Shirt Day mean for us? It means that we choose to be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they like to do. It means that we stand up against bullying and say, "No more!" It means that we create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted and valued.

Now, you might be wondering, "What can I do to make a difference?" Well, my young friends, you have more power than you realize. You can start by being a good friend to others. Treat everyone with kindness, just like you would like to be treated. Include others in your games and activities. Say kind words and give compliments. You never know how much a small act of kindness can brighten someone's day.

If you see someone who needs help, don't just stand there and watch. Be an upstander! An upstander is someone who stands up for what is right and helps others. You can tell a teacher or a trusted adult about the bullying. You can support the person being bullied by offering a kind word or a helping hand. Remember, when we all work together, we can make a big difference.

Wearing a pink shirt today is not just about the color; it is a symbol of our unity and support for one another. By wearing our pink shirts, we are saying, "We stand together against unkind people!" So, let's wear our pink shirts with pride, knowing that we are making a statement of kindness and acceptance.

Pink Shirt Day is a day when we choose kindness over cruelty, respect over bullying, and love over hate. It is a day to stand up for what is right and make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, accepted, and loved. Let's make every day a Pink Shirt Day by treating each other with kindness and compassion.

Thank you, and let's make the world a better place, one pink shirt at a time