WATCH ABOVE: A school in Deux-Montagnes has made it their mission to remind its kids that different isn’t a bad thing. Reporter Rachel Lau spent the day there to find out more from the students themselves.
DEUX-MONTAGNES – It has been a colourful week at Mountainview Elementary School in Deux-Montagnes, and the kids aren’t shy to talk openly about some of today’s biggest issues.
“It doesn’t really matter who you love or what you’re interested in because everyone’s different,” said Ninna Giles, a 6th grade student.
“No two people are the same – not even twins. There’s nothing wrong with loving someone of the same gender. I don’t think it’s right for people to be bullying them just for that.”
The 288 students are celebrating the Week Against Homophobia, challenging gender stereotypes and sexual discrimination at the primary school level.
The Week Against Homophobia was started in 2011 by teachers from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School board.
Principal Darlene Miller was on the board that initiated the project.
“The underlying message that we want the children to understand is that even though we’re different we’re so much more the same,” said Miller.
“Values are generated when they’re younger so these are the values we want to children to know. In this school, we’re different in many ways but we’re really all the same.”
Mountainview Elementary was one of the first schools to introduce the Week Against Homophobia to its students, and so far it’s been a huge success.
“We’ve only had positive feedback here,” said Miller.
“There are some parents in daycare and they come in and see our rainbow posters everywhere and even kindergarten parents and they say I’m so proud my child goes to your school. I’m so happy you’re doing this.”
Teacher Angie Ladas helped create the initial toolkit.
In the past three years, she says she’s seen a tremendous difference.
“You have to start with what’s meaningful to the students,” she said.
“You have to target what the students already know, what they’re experiencing themselves and pull different resources, books that are really geared to the different levels.”
Though young, these kids are far from ignorant.
At the beginning of the week, they each take a pledge against bullying.
“I will not take part or be a bystander in actions or words that are unkind to others,” recites Nicolas Moscato, a 6th grade student.
With dozens of rainbow flags hanging proudly on their walls, Miller says she is hoping other schools will take part too.
She’s already presented the toolkit to school boards across Quebec and Ontario in the hopes of educating the next generation.
“Don’t bully and together we can change the world,” said Giles.
“Just be yourself.”
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