PE teacher Sara Gambrill, co-creator of the brightest day on the school calendar, said the event had grown each year thanks to the passion of the students.

“It’s about empowering the victims of bullying, it’s about saying we care,” Ms Gambrill said.

“It’s talked about all year, we use this day as a focal point [to discuss bullying] and cement positive behaviour.”

On Thursday morning, with staff and students alike decked out in flourescent pink, Ms Gambrill said it had been a happy coincidence that the celebration coincided with mental health awareness campaign R U OK Day this year. 

“Pink is a colour people don’t like to wear, it’s really bold,” she said.

“That’s why we picked it – we wanted it to be a real statement.”

Full gallery at maitlandmercury.com.au.