Alaqsite’w Gitpu School Stands Against Bullying

The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School honoured Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 22^nd, 2023. Pink Shirt Day originated in Nova Scotia in 2007 after a group of teenage boys witnessed a Grade 9 boy being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The older boys bought several pink shirts and distributed them to other boys in their school to wear the next day. This act of kindness stopped the bullies in their tracks. This has since become a national and global movement. We spoke with Anita Basque, the Guidance Counsellor at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, for more tips on how to stand up to bullying every day of the year.

Anita shared that the school’s anti-bullying approach centers around our Seven Sacred Teachings: Respect, Love, Bravery, Truth, Wisdom, Humility, and Honesty. Among other topics, students deepen their understanding of each teaching during their regular Life Skills classes. Another tool used in school is to remind students to THINK before they speak.

Is what you are saying True?

Is it Helpful?

Is it Inspiring?

Is it Necessary?

Be Kind.

As Anita shares, there are “different things that we can do each and every day to be kinder to people and by practicing the seven sacred teachings […] in our daily lives, then we would not be bullying.” These tips can be helpful to anyone. Even adults can use this reminder from time to time.

One issue that our students are currently facing is cyberbullying. Although this bullying mostly happens off school property, we are still here to help. We have invited and will continue to invite guest speakers to educate our students about cyber-safety and what to do if they are cyber-bullied. We’ve also included information from the Canadian Red Cross for parents and caregivers to review with their children.

Our school takes bullying seriously and has multiple resources and tools (Mentors, Behavioural Interventionist, Guidance Department, Social Work Departments, etc.) Anita stressed that students should always let a teacher know if they are being bullied so that they can put these resources into action. One example is that dealing with bullies is always easier when you have a buddy. Our staff can pair up students or larger groups to look out for one another.

Remember that wearing a pink shirt on February 22^nd is a great way to show that you are against bullying, but we must stand against bullying all year round!

By LETE