We are thrilled to share with you the incredible success of our participation in Pink Shirt Day, which took place on Friday, 19 May. This powerful movement allowed us to come together as a school and raise awareness about the importance of speaking up, standing together, and stopping bullying.

On Pink Shirt Day we encouraged all staff and students to wear as much pink clothing as possible. We had a very positive response and it was great to see the school coming together to support the bully-free cause. In addition to wearing pink, students were asked to bring a gold coin donation. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $683.20, which will contribute to creating safer and more inclusive spaces for everyone.

As part of Pink Shirt Day, St Bede’s College launched a QR code that allows students to anonymously report bulling at school. This initiative empowers our students to speak up and seek help, ensuring that their voices are heard and their wellbeing is prioritised.

During lunchtime, the Student Wellbeing committee organised activities in the gym. We gave prizes for the best-dressed and it was wonderful to see the creativity and enthusiasm displayed by our students. Congratulations to Max Francis, 10SPI, and Rupeni Qoroya, 10STR, for winning best dressed among the juniors, and kudos to Regan Frame for his outstanding pink outfit among the seniors!

The day was filled with fun activities, including a basketball challenge where students attempted shots from the three-point line. Their efforts were commendable, and those who succeeded received a well-deserved lolly of their choice. Additionally, the highly anticipated Chubby Bunny competition took place, with boys from each year giving their all to claim the title. Congratulations to the winners: Liam Molander (Year 9), Jeong Hu (Year 10), Malachy Murphy (Year 11), Hugo Tresfield (Year 12), Lorenzo Noa Siaosi (Year 13). Special recognition goes to Liam Molander for being the overall junior winner and Hugo Tresfield for claiming the senior title.

We would like to acknowledge the incredible support and enthusiasm from all the students who actively participated in raising awareness for this important cause. Your commitment to fostering a kind and inclusive environment is truly inspiring.

We also want to express our gratitude to members of the Student Wellbeing committee. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work were instrumental in making this event a resounding success. Thank you for your valuable contributions.

Bullying remains a significant issue in Aotearoa, with our country having the third highest rate of workplace bullying among OECD countries. Furthermore, one in five workers in NZ feel discriminated against or bullied in their workplaces. The impact of bullying on individuals is profound, often leading to mental health challenges. Pink Shirt Day aims to combat bullying by celebrating diversity and fostering safe, supportive and inclusive environments in schools, workplaces and communities.

At St Bede’s College, we take the wellbeing of our students seriously. Our Centre of Wellbeing closely monitors the student population’s wellbeing through the Student Pulse, our termly surveys. This term, the Student Pulse focused on bullying, providing an opportunity for students who indicated experiencing bullying to connect with the Centre of Wellbeing, their Head of Year, or Mana Tāne Kaiako.