Willoughby Elementary students were on the lookout for people exhibiting very specific behaviour so they could be 鈥榯icketed鈥�.

The school population took the opportunity during Diversity and Respect Week to issue kindness tickets.

It鈥檚 one of the many activities during the last week of February that includes Pink Shirt Day.

The 91原创 School District is very diverse, with students鈥� families speaking more than 45 different languages in households across the district, and that number is continuing to grow, noted superintendent Mal Gill.

Every year, the district recognizes and honours our multi-culturalism with Diversity and Respect Week. It is also a week to celebrate culture, ethnicity, and individuality.

As established by the 91原创 board of education in 2017, it is a means 鈥渢o coincide with Pink Shirt Day in February to promote awareness, acceptance, reconciliation, and inclusion for all members of the school community.鈥�

鈥淎s part of our district vision, our schools continue to foster an inclusive and nurturing culture, one which ensures that all students and staff feel a sense of belonging,鈥� Gill said.

To recognize diversity across the district, schools will be welcoming students with new diversity flag signage, reminding them that they belong, and they are welcome, no matter who they are, he said.

In addition, students and staff are receiving diversity flag stickers, and staff have been given window decals to decorate their classrooms.

鈥淭he district is proud to celebrate this week with students and staff and share our learning with the greater community,鈥� added Gill.

Schools have organized activities and events to recognize, celebrate, and educate students, adopting various themes which highlight kindness, anti-bullying, and Indigenous and LGBTQ communities.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, Walnut Grove Secondary made a rainbow crosswalk out of multi-coloured chalk to celebrate PRIDE and inclusion.

On Pink Shirt Day Feb. 23, Willoughby Elementary students, and staff all had their own kindness tickets to hand out and 鈥榗atch鈥� anyone showing examples of kindness throughout the day.

The classes did lessons on kindness and the ticketing proved to be a hit with student realizing that not only did they enjoy receiving the tickets but also enjoyed being on the lookout for kindness exhibited by others.

鈥淛ust to see students running up to each other intentionally to give each other compliments is just so heartwarming to see,鈥� said Karin Muuren, Willoughby Elementary principal.

A few elementary schools will be getting their families involved by having them colour and submit a national flag that represents their culture or heritage, which will be posted in their buildings.

鈥淭he district is excited to help facilitate all this work. We hope that this will continue to fuel engaging and enlightening conversations and help everyone in our community feel included and respected,鈥� said Gill.

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