While McMath secondary students will mark Pink Shirt Day Wednesday, a Grade 12 student says the school has moved toward a year-round anti-bullying culture thanks to a number of initiatives.
“We celebrate Pink Shirt Day but there are events that go on through the entire year that make our school more inclusive,” said Alyssa Azote, who is vice-president of the student council.
She cited three major initiatives that have taken place since September.
First, when Grade 8 students begin the new year they are paired up with senior students to help with the transition from elementary school. Many students wear t-shirts with the slogan “GR-8T.”
Second, pep rallies have become a mainstay complemented by team-building activities, said Azote. However, the rallies are focused on clubs and not just sports, so most students can be involved.
“So we incorporated a club parade,” said Azote.
Third, a new mantra has developed called the “invisible backpack.”
“You never know what others are going through. They have an invisible backpack on. It may be something with home life or mental illness. So you treat others the way you would want to be treated. And maybe if they treat you poorly, you never know why they are acting the way they are, so you try to understand,” said Azote.
