A sea of pink will be flowing at HPEDSB schools and workplaces on Friday, April 12, 2013. A sea of pink T-shirts, that is. In fact, there will be about 3,400 hundred of them!
This Friday, students will be standing up for acceptance and saying no to bullying, homophobia, racism and all forms of hatred.
This is the first year that Pink Shirt Day has been supported board-wide. Thousands of students and employees will wear pink to stand together to show support for inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.
The theme this year is Acceptance. The T-shirts feature the words Acceptance, Peace, Change and Love. They were sold for just $5 thanks to the support of sponsors who helped to offset the costs.
Promoting character development through acceptance, equity and inclusivity is a priority at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. It is our belief that equity and inclusivity are the foundation for inclusive, safe, caring and respectful learning environments.
Through our Growing with Character initiative and events such as Pink Shirt Day, we endeavour to:
- meet individual needs by providing conditions and interventions needed to help every student succeed;
- identify and eliminate barriers;
- contribute to high standards of student achievement;
- promote a sense of belonging which contributes to every student's sense of well-being; and
- involve the community in our efforts to remove barriers and prevent bullying.
Anti-Hate Pink Shirt day started at Trenton High School in 2009, with 80 T-shirts sold that year. We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the organizer that year, teacher Allison Culkin, now at Moira Secondary School, for taking the lead for orders and encouraging school and community involvement.
For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]