Wildcats take part in Pink Shirt Day – a national anti-bullying initiative

Story and Photo by WSS Student Katie Fettes


You see enough of the colour every day in the vibrant halls of Widdifield Secondary School, but today, students wore pink with a purpose. This Wednesday, February 27, was Pink Shirt Day – a national anti-bullying initiative.

Widdifield students came together today with the message, “Stand up for yourself, stand up for others, stand up against bullying.”

Mayor Al McDonald participated the event today, addressing students in the WSS theatre at lunch and joining in a group photo. Wildcats also had a chance to stay for the premiere of a powerful anti-bullying video made by their very own Free The Children group.

“Thank you for everything you are doing at Widdifield. Leadership and initiatives like this make a better world for everyone,” said Mayor Al McDonald.

Student participants agreed. “It’s so important to support bullying awareness because no one deserves to feel that way. Our school was so bright with pink today, it was very touching,” said Hayley James of today’s events.

Realizing the effects of bullying in schools, Widdifield students will continue their commitment to end bullying by launching a brand new student group this month called HELP – Helping Everyone Live Peacefully. The initiative will function as a safe discussion circle as well as an event planning team.

“I’m very proud of our students today. This shows that the support is there, but we’re not stopping today. This group (HELP) will not only support bullying awareness, but will be a healthy environment for people who need it. I’m hoping that this continues to help students even after I’m gone,” said Caelan Briscoe, grade 10 student at Widdifield, and founder of HELP.

Inspired by a successful Pink Shirt Day, the student group hopes to affect positive change in the lives of Widdifield students and the school’s atmosphere as a whole.