Be Kind

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. 

I had the absolute pleasure of spending this week with our Year 6 students on their trip to Canberra. A tradition of this camp is ‘Freddo Affirmations’. The students are invited to describe an act of kindness that they witnessed and award a Freddo Frog to the person they name. It is a privilege to see our students recount the ways their peers helped and supported each other, spoke words of encouragement when needed, welcomed peers into groups and made others feel included. The simple act of affirming kindness created a culture where students were looking for kindness in others. It framed their outlook. 

The interesting thing about kindness is that it triggers the release of the ‘feel-good’ hormone, oxytocin, which promotes positive emotions and reduces stress, in both the person who performs the act of kindness and the recipient. Kindness also builds empathy, trust and connection. 

In a world that is quick to make assumptions and form judgements, we get to take a kind perspective, choosing to be curious and giving people the benefit of the doubt. In a culture where we are primed to see the negatives and find fault, we can choose to look for the positives. In a time where people have never been more electronically connected, but yet feel so disconnected, we get to reach out and be inclusive. 

Greek Philosopher Aesop said, “No act of kindness is ever wasted.” Acts of kindness can have long term impacts. Many of us remember with clarity a time we were the recipient of kindness. We all have the capacity to be kind, but it remains a choice to prioritise kindness.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Mrs Debra Cooper

Principal