Kindness is the key to positivity

KINDNESS IS KEY TO POSITIVITY

“WHAT WE THINK, WE BECOME.” – BUDDHA

BY MELISSA SCHOORMAN Head of Wardle House, Deputy Principal

As a school leader, I often get asked how we create such a kind and inclusive culture at our School. My answer is quite simple; highlight the positivity that you see around the School and have zero tolerance for negativity and actions that exclude and cause others to feel uncomfortable.

“Positivity breeds positivity” goes the saying in Wardle House and all our delightful students understand that it is important to celebrate kindness when it is noticed. That is why in the peak of the pandemic in 2021, when we were working and learning from within the four walls of our own homes, three bright (now Year 7 students) had the wonderful idea of building a sacred space where students could share stories and random acts of kindness. Affectionately known as the Kindness Club, these inspired students approached our School leadership team, wanting to make a difference and foster a greater sense of community amongst the younger children. Their goal was to run a lunchtime club that allowed all year levels to gather in the Wardle House Library and just be; be with each other, be amongst others and be with those who have common interests. The sense that everyone belonged, was welcome and was here to learn and play shoulder to shoulder, meant that the numbers grew every week. The momentum that the club has, even one year on, is exciting to see. At Toorak, kindness is taught across an array of platforms, from wellbeing sessions first thing in the morning to lunchtime debriefs straight after break times. It is also evident when our staff welcome students by name on arrival to school and demonstrate a genuine interest or care about what is happening in their lives.

Our beloved Random Acts of Kindness letterbox that sits in Wardle House Reception serves as a constant reminder to all that we need to stop and notice those actions that make others happy. It can be a smile, an offer to play or a bigger gesture when helping a friend in need. A great sense of accomplishment and achievement is also felt when the notes are read aloud at assemblies each week. This allows the recipient to feel appreciated and valued whilst reciprocally, the author of the note feels validated for observing and pointing out the good deed. This practice has become even more important following COVID, as students have been forced to play only with their siblings and family rather than peers. By explicitly pointing out the desirable behaviours, children are more likely to view these as important and want to replicate these when playing.

No matter if we are talking about pre or post pandemic, our students know that kindness never becomes redundant. If this mantra sits at the core of how we react and behave on a regular basis, then our students will soon learn that in order to be recognised and acknowledged, you must be kind, empathetic and show gratitude for all that we have.