Wear it Purple Day
Dear Sunny Heights Parents and Carers,
A few students, staff and parents have noticed I have rainbow beads on my shoes. The providers of these beads are Abbie and Max, two first year high school students in NSW, who have started a project to help young rainbow students be able to identify safe people and safe spaces. I wear these beads with pride so that young LGBTQI+ people know I am a safe person.
On Thursday 26th August, the last day of book week, it is Wear it Purple Day. The purpose of this day is to acknowledge LGBTQI+ youths, and to commit to providing a safe and inclusive environment. Students and families who would like to, are welcome to dress up in purple or wear an item that is purple; otherwise it is a normal school uniform day. We have 25 sets of rainbow beads to share with students who would like some. We also have lots of purple wrist bands that will be available in the office for any members of our community to wear. There is no requirement for anyone to wear purple, this is a choice that we leave to each student and family. As this day is part of book week, we will be sharing books and stories of diversity, culture, equality and acceptance.
Our Education Department's policies for supporting LGBTIQ students, and Equality and Diversity, make it very clear that we have a responsibility to create safe and inclusive environments. Gender expression for all students, including trans students, begins at ages 2-3 and so it is essential that all members of our community know that our primary school is a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We also know that given the risks to LGBTQI+ youth around self-harm and suicide, it is essential we demonstrate that Sunshine Heights Primary School is a connected and open community.
On the 26th August I will be proudly wearing purple, and hope to see some of our incredible parents, staff and students wearing this too! If you would like to understand more about this day, or you have any concerns about this, I welcome a personal conversation with myself or our team.
Best wishes,
David and the Sunny Heights Team
Should you wish to find out more please follow the links below:
https://rainbowshoelaceproject.com.au
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/lgbtiq-student-support/policy