Students at Westmount Community School wore pink proudly today.
They were dressed up for Day of Pink, an international event that sees students and communities stand up against bullying, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia.
“Stop bullying, stand up for others and just be kind,” said Natalie Vanidar, a grade six student. “It would just make the world a better place, and many more people would be more happy.”
Over 300 students gathered outside the school for a group shot and marched around the Westmount neighbourhood rallying support.
“We're not going to eradicate it, but we're certainly going to make sure that we all talk about it in a mindful way and that we work towards that real sense of belonging that we all want to have,” said Nicola Bishop-Yong, the school’s principal.
“Be the Change” was the theme at the school. Students from pre-kindergarten to grade eight spent all week preparing for the day.
Staff said although students only celebrate Day of Pink once a year, they are seeing positive changes in the school system.
Teacher Megan Weisbrod boasted that students are now using anti-bullying practices all the time.
“The kids really do practice it every single day. They just don't realize that they're doing it,” Weisbrod said. “When they get older, they really do have that leadership and I think they just need the opportunities to take it and go beyond.”
