Clanmore Pink Shirt Day

Dear Clanmore Families and Community,

 On Wednesday, February 26th, through Pink Shirt Day, communities across Canada come together to take a stand against bullying and acknowledge how bullying negatively affects people of all ages. At Clanmore, we will join in this stance by performing activities and engaging in discussions which are developmentally appropriate for the particular age group of the students in the classrooms. 

 Early Childhood – As with every holiday or special day at the preschool level, this day will be approached in a very gentle and age-appropriate way with the children. It will still be a normal day in the classrooms in order to keep the children’s routines.  The teachers might read books about kindness or focus on Grace and Courtesy lessons or at the Casa level, very simply discuss Restitution (social problem solving). These are all things done very often in the classrooms.  For Casa students in particular, we are not asking them to wear a pink shirt as that breaks up their routine of wearing a uniform everyday. Our aim is to celebrate or acknowledge this important day in a way that is appropriate and meaningful to the children.

Elementary and Middle School – As a symbol of their support for the movement, students are welcome to wear pink or wear something that displays their unique-ness and makes them special. We will have age-appropriate discussions about the history of Pink Shirt Day as a stand against bullying.

All the children are familiar with the Theory of Restitution in which we categorize our psychological needs as belonging, power, freedom, and fun. We have defined our beliefs; our way of life at school; we are here to work and learn, and we will do this by loving and helping one another, with respect, forgiveness, safety, and truth, and aiming for peace everyday. This goes a long way towards promoting good behaviour at school.

On Pink Shirt Day we will also celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of each human being, and invite students to bring in an item from their home to share with their peers to symbolize something unique about themselves. It can be something simple like a piece of art, a favourite hat, a photograph, a lego creation, an item that represents their culture, etc. By actively recognizing each other’s individuality on Pink Shirt Day we strive to encourage a community of acceptance and kindness.

Kindest Regards,

The Clanmore Diversity and Inclusivity Team