ST. PAUL - While the focus on the last Wednesday of February every year is on kindness and spreading an anti-bullying message, schools across the St. Paul Education region focus on creating more thoughtful, kindhearted and respectful students year-round with a variety of initiatives.
During the entire month of February, the acronym T.H.I.N.K. is being emphasized.
Students are taught the strategy for a number of reasons. The acronym is used to remind students to ask themselves if what they are saying or posting online is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind (T.H.I.N.K.)
Bridget Severin, Counselling and Communications Coordinator with St. Paul Education says the strategy "is helpful in teaching students the importance of their words. To be mindful of their words. How to work out conflict. The importance of being kind to others. How to prevent problems from occurring."
While a variety of specific activities will be taking place at schools in honour of Pink Shirt Day, "All activities will focus around promoting kindness, healthy relationships and preventing bullying," says Severin.
Family School Liaison Workers (FSLW) and Together We’re Better Program staff will be leading presentations and discussions focused on kindness and respect.
"While it is important to focus on preventing negative behaviours such as those associated with bullying, this day is also an opportunity to remind students about the positive behaviours we want to see in our schools and community every day," says Severin.
The school division's Administrative Procedure 350 states that it is the expectation that employees, school volunteers and students "contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment in the school that reflects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others."
This approach is the foundation of our school communities, she adds.
During presentations, students will be given the opportunity to reflect on questions such as, "What does kindness and respect look like to you? What are the characteristics of a healthy relationship? Why is it important to be kind and respectful? What is empathy?"
The school division also continues to work to highlight were students, and other community members, can access support if they need it.
"In these challenging times, it is so important that people know where to turn for help. Whether it is reaching out to a trusted adult, friend or family member or accessing 24-hour resources such as the Kids Help Phone or other resources listed on our Mental Health Resources page, help is always available," says Severin.
Sone of the other annual activities that take place include students writing positive notes and uplifting messages to share with each other, Random Acts of Kindness week, which takes place ahead of Pink Shirt Day. Random Acts of Kindness Week is used to remind students of the power that even the smallest act of kindness can have.
