Show of respect

LEWISPORTE - Before heading out for Christmas holidays, the students and staff at Lewisporte Academy (Grade 6-9 Division) made a pledge.

Their pledge is part of the International Stand Up to Bullying Day. This anti-bullying movement began started in Nova Scotia when two male senior high school students took action after a freshman student was picked on for wearing a pink t-shirt. The older students wore pink shirts to show their support for the student who was picked on and since then the "sea of pink" idea has grown.

They have shown that two people can make a change to bullying attitudes and it doesn't take them millions of dollars to do it. They started off with just $20.

Lewisporte Academy guidance counselor Glenda Ball heard about the Stand Up initiative last year and in September she brought the idea to staff and students who indicated an overwhelmingly and enthusiastic response to getting involved.

As part of the Stand Up day at the school students and staff wore pink t-shirts with a pledge on the back that they were asked to sign to show their support. Wearing these pink shirts shows others they won't tolerate bullying and anyone being bullied can come to them for help.

Ms. Ball said the school already had a there "R to the Power of 4" as part of their Safe and Caring School initiative. The four R's represent respect for yourself, respect for others, respect for learning and respect for property.

"So if we see someone disrespecting another person or their learning environment they can come to me (anyone wearing pink)," said Ms. Ball. "We are drawing attention to the issue, letting our students know that the majority of the student body are willing to recognize some inappropriate actions and behaviours and willing to stand up for them and say they are not appropriate here because we want to provide a safe and caring school."

Throughout the school year the students will be asked to wear their shirt (or any pink shirt) as they continue awareness around this topic. This is the first time for the Stand Up initiative at Lewisporte Academy. Ms. Ball said the long-range goal for next year is to also bring in the Kindergarten to Grade 5 school and have one gigantic Stand Up Day.