Saltus Grammar School students and staff wore pink shirts yesterday in a stand against bullying.

Almost 750 members of the school gathered at the sports field of the St John’s Road campus to mark Pink Shirt Day.

Thanks to some well-organised choreography, they were able to form the word “respect” — a cornerstone of the school's core values.

In a similar stunt at the Devonshire campus, about 200 students came together to form a heart shape, highlighting the school's dedication to promoting kindness and empathy.

Pink Shirt Day, a global movement recognised in nearly 180 countries, is an anti-bullying initiative embraced by schools and workplaces worldwide.

Addressing the assembly at the St John’s Road campus, prefects Lizzie Davidson and Alyssa Walsh underscored the pivotal role of the community in driving meaningful change.

Ms Davidson said: “This day serves as a reminder that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us.

“Today, as we wear our pink shirts, let them symbolise not just awareness but a pledge — a promise to be kind, to be understanding and to stand up for what is right.”

Reflecting on the day's significance, Julie Rousseau, the head of school, expressed her immense pride in the collaborative efforts of staff and students to bring Pink Shirt Day to life.

She said: “Each of us has a choice — we can be bystanders, or we can be upstanders — people who stand up for what is right, who choose kindness over cruelty and who make others feel valued.

“Even the smallest actions — a kind word, an invitation to sit together, standing beside someone who needs support — can make a world of difference.”