Students at Aquinas College got in behind Pink Shirt Day, making a stand against bullies.
“There’s no room for bullies in our school” commented Isaac Year 9. “That goes against everything Aquinas College stands for”.
The day originated in America when 2 students bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after their ninth grade friend was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on his first day of school.
“I think Pink Shirt Day is a great idea because bullying can be a hidden problem and we need to bring it more into people’s minds” commented Madeline Year 11.
Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated over time and can lead to serious, lasting problems. It includes the use of physical strength, misuse of embarrassing information, or exerting control over others. Bullying actions like making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally or excluding someone also fall under the definition.
“I was bullied at my old school ” admitted Avelia Year 11. “You just have to stick up for yourself and be brave”. Teaching resilience is one of the strategies schools have adopted to combat this issue. Another is making it clear who to go to for help. Telling a teacher about bullying made Te Ani Year 11 feel better about a friend who was being bullied online.
More information about what to do to help prevent bullying or deal effectively with it can be found here.
“Tell someone so that it can be stopped” added India Year 8. “It’s never okay to make someone else feel bad”.
Pink Shirt Day was a huge success thanks to all the families who baked delicious treats for us to enjoy. The bake sale and slushies raised an incredible $1,133.00 which has been donated to The Mental Health Foundation. Thanks too for all the fun activities made possible by the PTA and to Gabby and Becky, our Pink Zumba instructors. #JOY
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