The week finishes on a colourful note.

Celebrated annually around the globe, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007. Two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In Aotearoa, Pink Shirt Day works to create schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. 

Bullying in New Zealand is a real problem. We have the third-highest rate of school bullying out of 36 OECD countries and one in 10 workers feels discriminated against or bullied at work. Those bullied are far more likely to experience mental health issues.

During this week the focus of assembly messages and chapel has been on the topic of bullying. Pink Shirt Day provided an opportunity to open up a conversation with the boys about topics such as defining banter, where is the line between appropriate and hurtful "humour" and how to be more than just a bystander. The message across our country, which is supported by the College, our staff and students is to Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!