Board and I am joined today by my colleague Susan Logue, Superintendent of

Education Caring Safe Schools and Continuing Education, and John Shep

Caring Safe Schools Consultant, and we're here to talk to you about Pink

Shirt Day. Founded in 2007, Pink Shirt Day has become a global celebration but it

came from humble Canadian beginnings. Thanks to two teenage boys from Nova

Scotia named David and Travis, people across the globe now wear pink on

February the 26th to show their support for anti-bullying. That's right Louise,

the bravery of those two young men has inspired a generation and sparked a

movement to end bullying. Their act of kindness has had a huge impact on our

society and continues to inspire others to not only be kind, but to consider how

their actions affect others, both positively and negatively. This year Pink

Shirt Day is focused on the theme, "Lift Each Other Up" a simple yet powerful

message that encourages us to look beyond our differences and celebrate the

things that make us unique. When we lift each other up, we focus on the things

that unites us as people. In my work with schools throughout the region, I'm

consistently amazed by how kind and generous our students are. We have

restorative practice trained Peer Mediators in many elementary schools,

standing up for each other at recess and on the yard. Schools have branded their

codes of conduct not with, thou shalt not, but they agree as a school to be kind, be

proud, be Bakersfield. Or at Moraine Hills Public School, where they pledge to be

kind to yourself, be kind to others, be kind to the environment. Or more simply I

walk into a school and have students smile and say hello. These are our

everyday upstanders. These are our champions against bullying. These are

students that we celebrate and honour on Pink Shirt Day.

Each year when Pink Shirt Day approaches I'm reminded of a quote from

one of our very own students, Hanna Alper. One person, one action, one moment can

make a difference. Hanna is an activist, a blogger, an author and motivational

speaker who addresses issues like anti-bullying. Her philosophy is that small

acts make big change. Which could not be a more fitting approach to Pink Shirt Day.

As we celebrate today, take a look around

and remember Hannah's words. Your small act of kindness might spark the big

change that someone needs. Happy Pink Shirt Day everyone!