Today the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education are recognizing Pink Shirt Day activities in schools and communities throughout the province.
Pink Shirt Day aims to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms and through supporting workplaces, communities and schools to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive of all people. This year’s theme is ‘Lift each other up,’ focusing on fostering greater acceptance, respect, and inclusion for everyone in our schools and communities.
To help establish safe and caring learning environments for all students, the Provincial Government announced $12,500 for Safe and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants shared among 32 schools this year. Schools were recognized for their efforts in achieving safe, caring and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates, and sustaining safe and inclusive communities.
A complete list of award recipients for 2022 is available here.
Quotes
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a right to live, learn and work in a society where bullying doesn’t exist. As we continue to focus on our immigration action plan and attracting newcomers to this province, our diversity is becoming more visible than ever as people continue to embrace their cultures, identities, and true selves. We should all celebrate our differences and promote acceptance, kindness, respect, and inclusion for everyone.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Every student, teacher and staff member deserves the right to a safe, caring and inclusive school environment. Bullying is never acceptable. While our efforts occur throughout the entire school year, today I urge everyone to show their support by wearing pink, practice kindness and treat others with respect and lift each other up.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District has focused in recent years on the power of being kind. Many of our schools and students have been engaged in friendly February, boosting relationships and encouraging courtesy, understanding and thoughtfulness. We are excited to once again mark Pink Shirt Day, which provides us the opportunity to demonstrate how kindness can help us all to lift each other up each and every day.”
Tony Stack
CEO/Director of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
“The Conseil Scolaire Francophone Provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador fully supports Pink Shirt Day. It is our top priority that all students, regardless of their orientation feel safe and respected. Schools must be a place of discovery, socialization and a safe place from harassment. Students cannot develop to their full potential when being bullied or threatened. True to our motto, ‘Apprendre, s’épanouir et rêver grand’ (‘Learn, blossom, and dream big’), we will ensure that students experience a safe and inclusive educational pathway.”
Kim Christianson
CEO/Director of Education, Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
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Learn more
2022 Safe and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants Recipients
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032, 697-5856
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca
Daniel Taïeb
Conseil Scolaire Francophone Provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
709-722-6324, 693.2278
communications@csfp.nl.ca