Focus Newsletter

And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

Kindness

Next week, we want to shine a spotlight on kindness, and the importance of kindness in our school community. Kindness is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of human interaction that we aim to nurture in our students. In an increasingly complex world, teaching kindness is more important than ever.

 

Empathy in Action: Kindness is the cornerstone of empathy. When children learn to be kind, they develop a deep understanding of others' feelings and experiences. This not only fosters healthier relationships but also creates a more harmonious community.

 

Bullying Prevention: Teaching kindness goes hand-in-hand with preventing bullying. By instilling values of respect and compassion, we empower our students to stand up against negativity and support one another.

 

Academic Benefits: Studies have shown that kindness positively impacts academic performance. A nurturing and kind environment enhances students' focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

 

Life Skills: Kindness is a life skill that extends beyond the classroom. It equips our children to become responsible, empathetic, and socially competent adults who can contribute positively to society.

 

The staff at Parkdale Primary School work hard to not only teach children about kindness but to model this in their treatment of others.  We also endeavour to highlight acts of kindness as we witness them.  This happens incidentally throughout the week but two students who demonstrate kindness are recognised each Friday at assembly for ‘Random Acts of Kindness.’  This can be for something as simple as holding a door open for others to supporting someone who is having a tough time. 

 

As parents, your role in reinforcing these values is paramount. Encourage acts of kindness at home and discuss its importance. Together, we can ensure our children grow into individuals who make the world a better place through their actions.

Next week World Kindness Day is celebrated.  World Kindness Day is an annual event that encourages everyone to practice kindness every day. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world. Participating in World Kindness Day is easy and here are some examples to get you started:

  • Perform Acts of Kindness: consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping someone in your family, a friend or anyone you come across during the day.
  • Spread Positivity: inspire others to be kind and compassionate. 
  • Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as writing an encouraging note for a friend or holding the door open for someone.
  • Show happiness and friendliness to others. Checking in on people to see if they are okay.
  • Smile at people.
  • Include people. You can do this by doing things such as asking, “Do you want to join us today?’ 

At PPS we are hoping to celebrate Kindness across the whole week and will have a focus day on Friday 15th November.  Across the week we will highlight and discuss kindness in all of its forms during class time and in Wellbeing classes.  On Friday students will be asked to mark Kindness day by wearing crazy/colourful socks and bringing a gold coin which will be donated to State Schools Relief who support students in Victoria who are unable to afford things such as uniform and books for school.  This will be our collective act of kindness and students will also be asked to ensure that they perform acts of kindness throughout the day.