#ChooseKindness
It was only a few days ago when a parent asked me if we were having a 'Random Acts of Kindness' campaign this term. Their child had woken up that morning, expressing a desire to spread kindness like confetti throughout the day and was encouraging their family to do the same. When I heard this, it brought a big smile to my face.
In answer to her question, no, we are not running a 'Random Acts of Kindness' campaign. As a school, we are focusing on the deliberate and intentional choice of ‘Kindness’ not as a once-a-year campaign, but as part of our culture every day. One of our school values is Kindness, and we strive to promote and celebrate it in all that we do.
This term, we have been focussing on this Value. Students recently enjoyed fairy bread with hundreds and thousands made by a group of Year 5 and 6 students during recess to inspire students to ‘Spread Kindness like Hundreds and Thousands’. We’ve also placed posters promoting kindness throughout the school and are encouraging students and staff to share and celebrate instances of kindness when they happen. Most importantly, we've shared with our students what the Bible teaches us about kindness and that Jesus serves as our guide for kindness.
At different times of the year, especially as we head into Christmas, I know my Instagram feed is flooded with posts with the hashtag #randomactsofkindness.
So, what does the Bible teach us about kindness? Should we be random or intentional with kindness, and does it have a time limit?
The Bible teaches us that God is always kind, compassionate and slow to anger, and therefore, He expects us to always show kindness, even to people whom we may deem unworthy of receiving it. God does not call us to be selective or random in the kindness that we show to others. Instead, kindness requires intentional action for all. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says: “A new commandment I give you; that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” We know that Jesus showed his
loving-kindness on the cross for us when we were so undeserving of this.
His act of kindness to us should be both the motivation and the power for us to be kind to others.
In a few weeks, one of our classes will bless some aged care residents with handmade cards. Activities such as this remind students that all, whether young or old, are precious in God's sight and deserve kindness. I know our students will be blessed by the kindness and care shown by the residents upon receiving their precious gifts. This event marks the beginning of an intergenerational connection with aged care residents we have planned for 2024. Every class will visit aged care residents to share in activities like board games, choir singing, craft activities and other activities to promote connection and kindness with the residents. We are excited about this program and look forward to witnessing how relationships between the students and residents grow and flourish throughout their time together. What a beautiful way this is for our students to show intentional kindness to others in our community.
We want students to #ChooseKindness where they show kindness to others on account of our love and commitment to Jesus. If you haven’t heard this phrase already at home, I encourage you to start having this conversation as a family. Perhaps you may even want to start a daily routine like some of our classes are, where they are asking God’s help to show them who they can be intentionally kind to each day.
This week, I asked several students from Kinder to Year 6 how they are going to intentionally #ChooseKindness this term. I hope you are encouraged and inspired by these responses as I have been:
Asking God every day to show me to whom I can be extra kind.
Being nice to everyone, not just my close friends.
Making everyone feel loved and special.
Making sure I smile when I walk past someone.
Saying hello to others.
Speaking a lot of kindness, like confetti.
Not being bossy and using kind words.
Including others.
Not being random in kindness but intentional.
Asking God to help me spread kindness, not just to people who I’m really good friends with.
Playing nicely.
Letting others play.
Sharing my cars in the sandpit.
Saying nice words to people and not saying mean or untrue things to other people even when they’re not there.
Choosing kindness means being intentional to make someone’s day.
Being generous with my time and putting others before myself.
We continually give thanks to God for the kindness He has shown to us as a school, and we pray that staff, students, and parents will #choosekindness intentionally and deliberately by being kind to others with the same
loving-kindness that God has poured on us so richly, through Jesus.
Bethany Armstrong - Principal
