THUNDER BAY – Students at St. Elizabeth School are standing up to bullying.
Joined on Wednesday by Thunder Bay Police Service officers, youngsters at the south-side school handed out strawberry-infused yoghurt drinks and pink-iced pastries to classmates, celebrating Pink Day to raise awareness about bullying and how to put a stop to it.
Seven-year-old Kaitlyn Fisher said it’s not a good way to treat others.
“If people bully other people, they’ll just not be nice to you,” the youngster said.
“They could push you or they can kick you and say mean words to you.”
School-mate McKinley Simon, 10, proudly wore pink to stand up to bullies.
“It’s rude to bully other people,” she said.
The Grade 5 student said she’s got no tolerance for bullying when she sees it, and when she does, she lets someone know.
“I just tell a teacher and they try to deal with it.”
Principal Anita Treesh said celebrating Pink Day is an extension of the school’s year-long anti-bullying activities.
And while it’s something that will likely never be completely eradicated, she has noticed a huge difference in the hallways since she first started working in the educational field.
“I think definitely there’s much more awareness. It’s definitely a challenge. It’s an ongoing situation that we deal with on a regular basis,” Treesh said.
“But we talk to children a lot about it. It’s promoted in classrooms. We have these kinds of events and I certainly think children are more respectful and inclusive because we talk a lot about it in our schools.”
TBPS Const. Ben Grieve said police were on hand to help emphasize a positive message and encourage students to stand up and speak out.
“We just want to promote diversity and inclusivity in schools and provide a safe and fun place for kids to learn,” Grieve said.
He added having a more respectful generation of youngsters will make a better community down the road.
“We just want to promote positive role models for the children and it’s nice to be included in the activities here at the school.”
