There was a sea of pink at Kuranui College on Friday, as students and staff donned pink for this year’s Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007, when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a peer was bullied simply for wearing a pink shirt. Kuranui College celebrated both diversity and kindness, to take a stand against bullying. The main kaupapa of the cause is to ensure everyone ‘feels safe, valued, and respected’ at school and out in the community.

Throughout the day, a range of different Pink Shirt Day themed items were handed out. With phrases such as ‘I appreciate you’ and ‘you’re the avo to my toast’, students covered their pink clothes in stickers with wholesome, fun phrases. However, the most popular, were the pink t-shirts created for the ‘What About U’ campaign donated to the Kuranui College SADD committee (Student Against Dangerous Driving). While this campaign is largely based around sober driving, the quote ‘Watch out for your mates’ was printed on the back, which suited this occasion very nicely. Over twenty-five students and staff wore these shirts to help promote such an important message.

In her speech at the full school assembly, Head Girl Briar Matthews urged students to stand up for what is right by speaking up when something is wrong. “We must create a community where everyone feels safe and accepted regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or cultural background,” she said. The auditorium was silent as Mr. Fuller then backed this up emphasising that “homophobia, racism, and sexism have no place at Kuranui College”.

 

 

Students at Kuranui College all love to get involved with Pink Shirt Day. “It is a day of outlining the importance of accepting everyone for who they are inside, rather than how they appear on the inside,” said Deputy Head Girl, Te Ahurei Aporo.

 

Kuranui was also able to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation who raise awareness about bullying prevention and provide resources that promote inclusive workplaces, schools and communities. 

A huge thank you, and well done to everyone involved with the event!

Written by Year 13 student Emma Rose. Article added: Monday 24 May 2021