Chisholm Academy Recognizes Pink Shirt Day

On Wednesday, February 19th, Chisholm Academy recognized Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti Bullying Day, in order to highlight the importance of creating an environment where all people can feel safe, valued and respected. Staff and students came together amidst beautifully decorated tables with pink floral and chocolate centrepieces, for a Pancake Luncheon prepared by our Grade 12 Recreational Leadership Class, which included pancakes, assorted fruit and juice. 

Through slides, videos and student voices, the Grade 11 Communications Technology class shared information on the origins of Pink Shirt Day, the different ways that bullying can manifest, ways to deal with bullying, and suggestions on how to be inclusive and have a positive impact on those around you. There was also some excellent content that explored why bullies tend to bully in the first place. The students did a great job of shedding light on and celebrating this important day.

The Grade 10 and 11 Drama class enthusiastically created and performed their own script for Pink Shirt Day. In their performance, a mock trial took place in a high school to determine whether two defendants were guilty of bullying a peer for wearing a pink shirt. The lawyers, perpetrators, judge, witnesses and plaintiff all came together to show a lively courtroom scene complete with an impassioned speech at the end about how everyone should have the freedom to make their own decisions and wear, do, feel, and be whatever they want. In the end, the judge ruled that the defendants would be held accountable for their actions and everyone (bullies included) came to understand and appreciate the perspective of the plaintiff.

Our student council also gathered positive messages from all students to create a “Be Kind” visual representation, which was displayed within the school.

Thank you to all staff and students for your contributions!

Mrs. Sylvia Moyssakos, Principal