KELSET elementary school found a different way to celebrate ‘pink shirt day’ a day that’s become an international expression of anti-bullying. Staff and students deconstructed pink shirt day by taking the positive seed — pink shirts as a peaceful way to address a problem — and showed the students different ways they can help themselves and others.
“Maybe we need to rethink how we observe this day with young children,” said Grade 2/3 teacher Julie McManus. “What would it look like if we took the anti and the bullying out of the day and focused on celebrating the power of the bystander as modeled by the two boys with the supportive pink shirt idea?”
Students and staff were encouraged to wear blue and green or KELSET clothing to celebrate the KELSET beliefs.
The beliefs were developed with students, staff and parents during the fall term, McManus explained.
“Our belief-based approach offers our school community a common language, empowering students and adults to create an environment where we are considerate of those around us,” McManus said.
Instead of rules, the school instills that set of beliefs in its students.
“At most schools, they have a rule of no running in the halls,” said Emma Jean, Grade 4 student. “At KELSET, we have the belief of being safe. We walk in the halls to be safe. We focus on the positive.”
The students used literature to demonstrate how individual choices impact themselves, others, and the community. They also wore the school colours, green and blue, plus a special green, blue and pink ribbon.
“We are representing our school colours to celebrate how our beliefs help us be safe and work well together,” said Jon Cowley, Grade 4 student.
“Today is about our belief of welcoming others,” added Connor McCullough, Grade 5 student. “Even if you are having a bad day, if you say ‘hi’ to someone, you might start playing together, make a connection and make a friend.”