Orange Shirt Day

Parents and Guardians,

We are encouraging all students and staff to wear something orange on Monday October 1st to support Orange Shirt Day.

Orange Shirt Day is commemorated across Canada every September 30th, to acknowledge the impact of the residential school system, raise awareness and honour Indigenous communities, and promote reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day started in the spring of 2013, when a commemoration event was held in Williams Lake, BC to honour those who attended the St. Joseph Mission residential school. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the experience and story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad whose shiny new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day of school at St. Joseph Mission. Her story and Orange Shirt Day is now used as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and foster discussions about all aspects of residential schools.

YCDSB schools and its Board office will mark Orange Shirt Day on Monday, October 1, 2018, with a variety of activities, prayer services, events, and encouraging students and staff to wear an orange shirt to school/work

Thank you for supporting this wonderful initiative.