Central Public School Students Turn Creativity into Action for Pink Shirt Day
February 11, 2025 (Cornwall, ON) – A group of Grade 4-6 students from Central Public School (CPS) has taken a hands-on approach to supporting Pink Shirt Day on February 26, an annual event to raise awareness about bullying, by designing and selling custom stickers to promote this year’s theme, “I Belong.”
The Real-World Learning (RWL) initiative was a collaboration between CPS and the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG (BGC). Students not only created unique sticker designs but also applied business skills such as calculating costs, determining pricing, and planning sales strategies.
“It was just a seamless collaboration,” said CPS teacher Mike Singh. “All eight students were engaged from start to finish. When they’re given real, meaningful work, they thrive. This wasn’t just another classroom project; this was something tangible that mattered.”
Students worked with digital design tools like Canva to bring their ideas to life, receiving guidance and feedback throughout the process. “They always do their best work when they have ownership,” Singh added. “When they realized these stickers would be sold, their attention to detail and willingness to take feedback skyrocketed.”
In a reveal party held at BGC headquarters on February 7, the class had no idea whose designs would be chosen, and Community Engagement Coordinator Kaitlyn Legue surprised them all.
“We revealed to the students that all their stickers were selected,” said Legue. “It was their first time seeing the finished results and holding the finished product.”
Grade 5 student Cohen Willard incorporated a photo of CPS into the background of his design, along with symbols of inclusivity. “I think everybody will love it,” Cohen said. “I put the LGBT symbol on mine with different people wearing pink shirts because I wanted to show that everyone belongs.”
Another standout design came from Grade 6 student Bryson Lascelle, who incorporated a bee into his graphic. “I feel happy about my design being chosen,” Bryson said. “Using Canva was fun because I got to create images and blend colors. I think it’s cool that everyone’s stickers got picked, and I don’t think we’ll have any trouble selling them!”
Students will now set up shop and promote sales within CPS and hope to encourage other Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) schools to participate by purchasing or selling stickers at their own locations. Stickers will also be available for purchase through the BGC Cornwall/SDG online store, alongside Pink Shirt Day t-shirts.
“The math, the problem-solving, the teamwork—it all came together in a way that made sense to them,” said RWL learning partner Linzi Leclerc. “They saw firsthand how their creativity and effort could have an impact, and that’s exactly what this program is all about.”
The project also had a deeper impact on students beyond just learning business skills.
“Let’s be honest, these kids struggle with bullying issues—on both sides,” Singh explained. “They struggle with belonging and allowing others to belong. Even during this process, we had some struggles in class, but I believe that when they look back on this experience, it will mean something more. It’s about helping them see the importance of inclusion in a real way.”
Proceeds from the sticker sales will support BGC Cornwall/SDG’s anti-bullying initiatives, reinforcing the Pink Shirt Day message of kindness and belonging. The project has not only given students a unique hands-on learning opportunity but also a personal connection to the cause.
