Kindness is LOVE Interacting

In recent days I have observed my sweet-natured, happy-go-lucky granddaughter find her voice. She is learning to speak up during times of play and interaction, and she has found delight in directing role plays and games with her younger brother. Her imagination is amazing, and her creativity is evident in the ‘characters they become’ and the ‘places they go’ while we drive home together or during play time with her brother.

In learning to use her voice, she is also having to learn how to use her words kindly and allow others (her younger brother) to contribute, to share ideas and to take an active part in the various role plays. Finding her voice was relatively easy for her developmentally. Learning to show kindness as LOVE interacting requires wise advice, gentle reminders and loving adults who can utilise ‘teachable moments’ to help her grow in this expression of friendship. 

It's the same for our Primary students!

Schools are social places, and there is opportunity to engage and develop social skills each and every day – both in the classroom, and most certainly in the yard as children play. Daily, there are ‘teachable moments’ which teachers observe and speak into, helping our young people to make the wise, patient and loving choices as they speak, play and interact with each other.

Like my granddaughter, there will be days when young people will get it wrong. To the wise adults that surround, it’s not fair to expect that they won’t!  How we respond, how we counsel, how we engage in partnership during these times really matters – and is the foundation for these teachable moments to become life lessons that help shape and grow character in our students.

To grow in godly character, our deep hope is that the Fruits of the Spirit will take root in the hearts and minds of every student, and that God will do the watering, the growing and the cultivating of these character traits each day. 

Recently, a staff member on our wellbeing committee shared this poster as we considered what kindness really is as an expression of LOVE, as found in Jesus. It is a lovely reminder of all we are striving to nurture as we encourage our little people to demonstrate and celebrate kindness.