Wellbeing

SWPBS: Final Whittlesea World is Next Week!

We would like to let all families know that the final Whittlesea World for 2025 will be in Week 10. Given that the statewide transition will take place on Tuesday, Whittlesea World will take place on Wednesday, the 10th December. 

We cannot wait to see all students trading in 5, 10 or even more Golden Tickets. 

House Tokens

With the end of the term fast approaching, we would also like to remind all families that House Tokens will finish up at the end of week 10. The House with the most tokens collected across all classrooms in Term 4 will receive a small treat in Week 11.

Disability Inclusion: Kindness & Empathy in Action

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen wellbeing — both our own and others’ — is through kindness. When children practise noticing how others feel, offering help, or including someone new, they’re building the foundations of empathy, connection and a positive school community.

Why kindness matters

Kindness isn’t just “being nice.” It supports:

• Emotional Wellbeing – giving and receiving kindness releases feel-good chemicals in the brain.
• Friendship Skills – small acts help children build trust and strengthen relationships.
• A sense of belonging – feeling valued and included boosts confidence and motivation to learn.

Empathy grows when children learn to step into another person’s shoes — recognising feelings, showing care, and responding in ways that help.

Everyday acts that make a big impact

Kindness doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. Little actions can brighten someone’s whole day:

• Saying hello to someone who looks lonely
• Helping pick up dropped items
• Welcoming a new classmate
• Sharing playground equipment

• Offering encouragement when a friend is stuck

   

Children often see needs adults miss; they just need gentle encouragement to act on those caring instincts.

Try a Family Kindness Challenge

Families can turn kindness into a fun, everyday habit. Here are some simple ideas to try at home:

• Kindness bingo – create a grid of small acts (like “include someone new” or “help without being asked”) and see how many you can tick off each week.
• Compliment jar – write down kind things family members notice about each other and read them together at the end of the week.
• Secret helper – take turns being the “secret kindness agent” who surprises someone with help or a thoughtful note.
• Story sharing – at dinner or bedtime, each person shares one kind thing they did or saw that day.

These activities build a habit of looking outward, noticing others and taking action to make their day a little easier or brighter.

Growing empathy takes time.

Empathy develops gradually. It’s okay if children need reminders or support to recognise others' feelings. When they show kindness, be sure to name the behaviour:

“You noticed she was upset and you helped her, that was very thoughtful.”

Positive feedback like this strengthens children’s understanding of the impact their actions can have.

A community that cares

Our school is at its best when everyone feels respected, safe and included. By practising kindness at home and school, in tiny moments every day, we are building a community where every child can thrive.

Let’s cheer each other on, celebrate kind acts, and keep making our 

school a place where empathy shines.