Kindness: The Superpower We All Have

Have you ever had a rough day and then felt a little better because someone smiled at you, offered to help, or even just said “hi”? That’s the power of kindness. It might seem small, but those little moments can make a big difference — especially here at school.

Kindness doesn’t have to be a big deal. It’s not about grand gestures or being perfect. It’s the quiet moments — holding the door open, sending a message to check in on someone, or offering a compliment that brightens someone's day. These small choices help create a school where everyone feels seen, supported, and like they belong.

And here’s the best part — kindness is contagious. When you do something kind, the person on the receiving end often passes it on. It creates a ripple effect that spreads across our school community. You never know how far one kind action can go.

Kindness Is Strength, Not Softness

Some people mistake kindness for weakness — but actually, it takes courage to be kind. It takes strength to be patient when you're frustrated, to stay calm in an argument, or to include someone who’s been left out. Being kind means choosing empathy even when it’s not the easy option. That’s real strength.

Standing up for others. Apologising when you’re wrong. Admitting you don’t know everything. All of these take guts — and they build trust, connection, and respect.

Make Kindness Your Legacy

School can be stressful. Assignments, exams, friendship dramas, pressure to fit in — it’s a lot. But what if, on top of everything else, we decided that kindness was part of who we are?

What if people remembered you not just for your grades or how you looked, but for how you made others feel?

You have the power to create those memories, every day. Your words, your actions, even your facial expressions — they all send a message. What kind of message do you want to send?

Kindness Tips: Easy Ways to Make Someone’s Day

Kindness doesn’t have to be a big event — small, consistent actions matter most. Try these:

Smile and say hi – A simple greeting can make someone feel noticed.
Include others – If someone’s on their own, invite them to join your group or conversation.
Listen without interrupting – Really listening shows people you value what they have to say.
Give genuine compliments – Point out something kind, creative, or courageous in others.
Help out quietly – Pick up something someone dropped, offer help, or tidy up a shared space.
Stand up against bullying – Speak up or get help from a trusted adult if someone is being treated unfairly.
Be patient – Everyone has tough days. Choose understanding instead of judgment.
Check in on friends – A quick “How are you really doing?” can mean more than you know.
Be kind to yourself too – The way you treat yourself matters. Self-compassion helps you be kind to others.

You Might Be Someone’s Safe Place

Sometimes, we don’t know what other people are going through. Someone might look fine on the outside but be dealing with things you can’t see — family issues, mental health challenges, friendship problems, or just feeling invisible.

Your kind action could be the one good thing that happened to them today. Your voice could be the one that makes them feel heard. That’s powerful.

So let’s make it our mission — not just this term, but always — to choose kindness. No special occasion needed. No reward expected.

Just one kind act at a time.One smile. One compliment. One moment of patience.Because every one of us can be the reason someone else believes in the goodness of people again.

Looking for Support?

EACH - Health Services 1300 003 224

These services are free or low-cost.

93 Boronia Rd, Boronia

Youth Mental Health Services 9298 8469

Individual counselling on a short-term basis for young people aged 10 to 25 years as well as parent and family support.

2 Capital City Blvd, Wantirna South

headspace 1800 650 890

2 Capital City Blvd, Wantirna South

Offering: General health services (youth-friendly, free Doctors), Counselling & Mental Health Support, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Vocational, Education & Training Support.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 Hours)

Confidential information, counselling and support service. safesteps.org.au

1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24 Hours)

www.1800respect.org.au

Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24

Puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional physical health advice around the clock.

The Butterfly Foundation 9822 5771

1430 Malvern Road, GLEN IRIS Victoria https://butterfly.org.au/ -

FriendLine 1800 424 287

Supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.

24/7 Mental Health Hotlines:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25.

Lifeline - Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online. Provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au Provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal.

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue provides mental health support for young people. Call, chat online or email.

Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Chelsea Collings - Leader of Wellbeing

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor

Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor

Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner 7-8

Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner 9-12

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