The gym at John Diefenbaker was a sea of pink Wednesday afternoon. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Pink Shirt Day

Local school recognizes anti-bullying day

Feb 26, 2020 | 5:59 PM

Pink Shirt Day is being marked across Saskatchewan.

Students at John Diefenbaker Public School attended a special assembly Wednesday afternoon where they heard from speakers and watched anti-bullying videos. The school’s gym was a sea of pink as students donned their pink shirts for the occasion — many of which were marked with personalized messages students wrote on the back.

Teacher Steven Korecki said it is important the issue be confronted.

“A lot of our students are struggling with bullying in school or cyber-bullying,” he said.

Korecki said in the past the school has worked with the Red Cross which hosted a youth symposium to teach students about respecting others. Korecki added the assembly Wednesday provided a good opportunity for students to reflect on their behaviour.

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The majority of students wore pink shirts Wednesday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Sgt. Troy Dumont from the community services unit with the Prince Albert Police Service spoke to students today.

“It doesn’t have to be just one day of anti-bullying or standing up against bullying. We want it to be every day,” he said.

Dumont said officers from the unit attended several schools to participate in anti-bullying activities. He added they are also looking to engage parents by hosting a discussion on cyber-bullying at the Prince Albert Collegiate Institute Wednesday evening.

“[We’re] trying to let parents know how they can engage their kids and try to keep track of that bullying on the internet and social media,” he said.

Zimo Li, a student at Diefenbaker School who also spoke at the assembly, said the day provides an important opportunity for the school community to engage on the topic.

“Come together as a community, that’s what is really good about Pink Shirt Day,” he said.

Li said in his experience kids at the school are good about taking the anti-bullying message to heart.

(Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn