Wear it Purple Day

On Thursday, August 29th, our college came together to celebrate **Wear it Purple Day**, an annual event dedicated to supporting and uplifting LGBTQIA+ youth. With Friday, August 30th, being a student-free day, we brought the celebration forward to Thursday, and what a colorful and vibrant day it was!

The **Pride Crew** worked hard to create an amazing atmosphere, with a range of activities that truly embodied the spirit of the day. A special shout-out to Ms. Tavares-Green for her invaluable assistance in baking and preparing a range of cupcakes, which were sold throughout the day to raise funds for LGBTQIA+ support. Kirsty also brought her beloved cookies, which, as always, were a huge hit with everyone!

One of the highlights of the celebration was the **photobooth**, where students and staff captured fun and memorable moments. It was fantastic to see so many students proudly expressing themselves in front of the camera. Alongside the photobooth, there was a **badge-making stand**, where students got creative and made personalized badges to wear throughout the day, each one a unique expression of individuality and pride. Our students were also allowed to dress up and a casual dress day was held with students and staff being encouraged to wear something purple. A gold coin donation meant we raised funds for Minus 18, an organisation that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender diverse youth, seeking to empower them to feel comfortable in who they are and confident in their sense if identity,

This year’s theme, **"Your Pride, Your Passion,"** was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression and authenticity. Students were invited to submit their own personal creations, from photos and poems to songs and other written forms of expression. These were proudly displayed on our Wear it Purple board, creating a stunning visual representation of the diversity and passion within our school community.

**Wear it Purple Day** is not just about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community; it’s about fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all young people. It’s a day to show solidarity, raise awareness, and champion the idea that everyone deserves to be proud of who they are, regardless of their identity. Events like these are essential in promoting acceptance and understanding, helping to build a community where all students feel valued and respected.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize, participate in, and support this year’s Wear it Purple Day. Your involvement makes a real difference in showing that our college is a place where diversity is celebrated, and all students can thrive!  We raised over $500 for Minus 18, Australia's charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth.