Students in Kemptville are taking a stand against bullying — by walking. Approximately 175 École Rivière-Rideau students from grades one to 12 took part in a walk Wednesday morning as part of Pink Shirt Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of bullying. Hugo Castonguay, school principal at École Rivière-Rideau, says the walk will create visibility for the initiative and allow the children to “be proud to support that movement.” “Hopefully it’s going to create an impact for them and their families and hopefully the community,” Castonguay said. Children and staff walked through the Kemptville campus and neighbouring streets. “I think maybe some people will see it and will pay attention,” says Grade 6 student Sidonie. “If they’re adults and they have children, maybe they’ll talk to their children about it.” “It’s a good thing to do because we’re celebrating that we shouldn’t bully,” says grade 5 student Mila. “Sometimes I try to help people who are being bullied. And I tell the teachers.” The students were joined by Craig McCormick who is also walking to make a difference with his “Take a Stand – Lend a Hand” campaign, which he launched in 2021. “The kids really get into it, and they understand the message,” McCormick said. “We can have a society without being a bully or being bullied.” McCormick says his inspiration to start the campaign came from serving 30 years as a Police Officer. “As a police officer and now retired, I came across a lot of people that I helped, that were being bullied,” McCormick said. “We can spread the word that, bullying is unacceptable in society.”
