Bow Valley High School certainly had a pink hue on Monday (March 19).

With students being off during annual Pink Shirt Day celebrations students held back the event so they could still honour the importance of the day. Showcasing that 'Kindness Sticks' roughly one hundred students flooded into the learning commons to take part in the Kindness Cafe.

The Bow Valley High school community has a strong belief in learning about well-being both individually and collectively and the Kindness Cafe is the perfect example.

While lemonade, cupcakes, and music were all part of the lunch hour celebration;  it was the takeaway message that held the real importance.

Tara Sly, English Teacher, shares that as a community that cares about one another and works for the personal well-being of all students and staff the focus this year surrounded the concept 'Words do matter. So what are your's saying?!'.

"It is the power that can be generated just by saying a little compliment, something kind to someone, or even the kindness of making eye contact and a smile."

Two grade 12 students Griffin Evans and Maya Kerfoot feel the idea of Pink Day and the Kindness Cafe showcase the school's desire to curb bullying. "We have a good culture at this high school generally, I couldn't say the same for all the high schools in Cochrane but I think our school has a good community where everyone is nice to each other and gets along."

While both Evans and Kerfoot will be graduating this year, they hope the next generation of Bobcats continues to make kindness stick. "I think it's important for them to know their welcome and it's a safe place for everyone to hang out and get along. If we nip bullying at the bud people will just know Bow Valley is about being kind."

This year Bow Valley High is highlighting mental health. "Self-esteem is the number one predictor of personal success and they are finding that this bases our ability to find personal wellness whether that is mental, emotional or intellectual academic. Often having that space where we can connect with another person or feel cared about will bolster that self-esteem and mutually reinforce the desire to learn."

Sly believes that this was the fourth year Pink Day was celebrated at Bow Valley High School and the third for the Kindness Cafe and looks forward to cultivating another year of positive emotional well being.