The energy at Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John’s was palpable today as the school thanked their community and hyped up their school spirit following a violent incident on their property.

As a former @pdubcav alumni myself, I remember this chant well! pic.twitter.com/2IyQC3IhbU

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) March 24, 2023

It has been just over two weeks since the violent attack at the school that sent one student to hospital. But, that wasn’t the focus of the assembly, instead zoning in on the positives.

Students piled into the gym, with many wearing PWC swag and their school colours.

Last week was Education Week, but drama teacher Bruce Brenton says they didn’t get to celebrate because they were dealing with the fallout of what happened, so the school wanted to do something special for the students.

The first half of the event focused on giving thanks to the school community for rallying together, and to the people and organizations who have been supporting them.

The victim, who cannot be named, and his family were in attendance.

While giving her speech, Principal Carla Roberts and the student shared a special moment. With emotion in her voice, she says nothing makes her happier than the fact that the student is able to be with them. She then paused before asking for a hug, which happened to the roar of the crowd.

Afterwards, the assembly turned into a pep rally, celebrating the achievements of their sports teams and unveiling their new school mascot, all in the theme of showing that they are “better together.”

Things then turned into a pep rally, acknowledging the achievements of their sports teams, and unveiling their new school mascot. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/CTfsroJasz

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) March 24, 2023