We are better together, Weyburn.
To express just this sentiment, the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division held a reverse parade yesterday afternoon.
For the general public, the reverse parade was held on Fourth Street in front of Dominic Plaza, where staff from the building represented in their ‘Better Together’ t-shirts (some, wisely, over top their coats, as the weather was indeed inclement). For parents of St. Michael students, there was another reverse parade in front of the school at the same time.
The Better Together movement happens every Tuesday, and all it involves is wearing one of the four t-shirts.
Director of Education, Gwen Keith, said the ‘pb&j’, ‘salt & pepper’, ‘bacon & eggs’ and cookies & milk’ t-shirts are, in fact, creating something special in our community.
“You see another guy looking exactly like you, and you gotta go have a chat, right?” she shared. “I was out shopping at noon today, and the clerk had on a [Better Together] shirt. It’s almost like feeling a kindred spirit.”
Keith said this initiative helps answer questions of how to stay connected and create a positive ripple.
“How can we stay safe with smile?” she posed.
“You know, as we look at these challenges of mental health and negativity and hopelessness, it just sends a positive ripple through the community, and we never know when a random acts of kindness is going to make a difference,” she commented.
“I’m so proud of our kids over at St Michael because it was their idea, you know. And so we’re just supporting them. But in a bigger picture, showing a little bit of energy toward our community. That’s what we’re doing.”
Keith noted that, at the end of the day, “we’re just walking each other home”.
“So this coming together is is just another sign of being part of a bigger family,” she explained. “Holy Family acts like family, but you know, we just want to recognize we are part of a bigger family, a bigger community and you never know what you’re going to learn from somebody else that’s going to help you, and vice versa.”
Listen to the full interview during the reverse parade:
Photos at Dominic Plaza by Marna McManus. Photos from St. Michael School submitted.
