Nov. 16-20 was Bullying Awareness week here at R.D. Parker Collegiate. Many events occurred, including RCMP presentations in the Grade 9 classrooms on Nov. 16 during their English classes. The presentations were about 45 minutes long and went over many things.
There was a gym night, where students came and hang out while playing games under supervision on Nov. 17. The Youth Aboriginal Council, RCMP and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba put this on jointly. This was put on to promote healthy life styles. Everyone was welcome and there were draws for prizes.
On Nov. 19 there was a DVD presentation on prevention, awareness, and alternatives to gang involvement in the theatre, all students were to attend this presentation. As usual students in Grade 12 and Grade 10 attended together in periods B and part of C. Students in Grade 9 and Grade 11 attended together in periods D and part of E.
On Nov. 20 Troy Westwood, Winnipeg Blue Bomber and recording artist was here giving a motivational speech during a bullying assembly. The assembly started out with David Boyce, the high school's drama teacher, giving a brief introduction to bullying and talking about his own experiences in bullying. He then passed the microphone over to Priscilla Nordstrom, a Grade 12 student here at R.D. Parker, and a member of the Youth Aboriginal Council. Nordstrom too talked briefly about bullying, before handing the microphone off to Bryant Linklator, a Grade 10 student at R.D. Parker, and also a member of the Youth Aboriginal Council. Linklator introduced Westwood giving a brief introduction to his career as a football player and a recording artist. He then passed the microphone to Westwood, who spoke about bullying, domestic violence, and the effects of alcohol on bullying.
He talked about how everyone should treat everyone else with kindness and respect; make decisions that lead us to the world we all dream of, a world that's a better place to live, he said. Education was another topic he touched on, with education comes options, options that allow you to make your life better.
He also mentioned gangs. Don't allow yourself to get pulled into a gang because although it may seem like it's all about brotherhood, very rarely will they actually be around when trouble sets in. That's when it's everyone for themselves. Near the end Westwood sang parts from three of his songs: The Bottle Drinks From You, All Sisters In Spirit and 13, 000 Dollars. Speaking of his music, he said something that he truly believes. "Art is the best way to incite change," not just music but all art.
Until the next time, au revoir.
Kait Taylor writes from R.D. Parker Collegiate every other week. Contact her with story ideas or photos at: [email protected]
