By: Clare T.
spir•it |‘spirit| noun.
Those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements of character of a person, nation, or group.
The goal of the Students’ Union has always been to build school spirit, and for Western’s students to feel as though they are not only part of a body, but of a community. Through organizing fun activities and successful fundraisers, it provides students with the opportunity to come together to celebrate our fine school. However, bringing together such a large and diverse group of people and making them all feel as though they belong can be a very difficult task. That’s why this year the Student’s Union has developed an ingenious and fun way to do just that. It’s called Spirit Day, and it’s a series of theme days that will occur throughout the year that are designed for students to have a little fun and get a little goofy. On Friday, the 25th of November, the Students’ Union invites you to come to school in your long johns, jammies, nightclothes, or whatever form of pyjamas that strikes your fancy. All in good taste of course!
So what exactly is Spirit Day? Foremost, it’s a way for all Western students to break free of the rigid and monotonous structure of school and enjoy a day of fun. Secondly, it’s an opportunity for students to make the most of their high school experience and create memories that can last a lifetime. Finally, it's a day to encourage and bring out school spirit, a step in the direction of making Western not just an incredible place to learn but a place all of us can call our second home; a place where we can feel a sense of comfort and belonging.
So why should we all come to school in our pyjamas on November 25th and risk being frozen to death? Why should we participate in Spirit Day? We should all participate because it is a day for celebrating our incredible school and recognizing how lucky all of us are to have the opportunity to learn and grow here. It’s a way for all of us to come together as a family, as a community, and to build relationships with our fellow Redmen. You’ll all have a good time, and it will be part of a fulfilling high school experience. It’s one day where we don’t have to get up at six thirty in the morning to pick out an outfit to wear to school.
To sum up Spirit Day and what it’s all about, I’ll use the words of the Students’ Union teacher coordinator herself. As Ms. Bowden says, “Really it’s just about coming together and having a little laugh.”
