Within our school, the value of care is central to everything we do. It is not simply a word, but a living and transformative action on display each day. In my role, I have the privilege of witnessing how care is genuinely expressed and shapes our culture through the small and often unnoticed actions of students, staff and families.
Kindness is the heartbeat of care. It drives us to think with compassion, to respond proactively to the needs of others and to build a community that is safe, joyful and inclusive. Whether it’s a warm and welcoming smile, a word of encouragement or the collection of hats left on Cluny Green, these simple acts create a place where everyone is cared for. These moments of care and kindness are often subtle and go largely unnoticed, revealing that kindness is, at its purest form, simple.
A quote that propels me is the words of Henry James: ‘Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.’
These words are a reminder that kindness is a choice, a habit, a way of being we intentionally develop and grow through personal reflection and daily interactions. As part of the culture of Junior School we create the pre-conditions of a culture that is built on kindness. Through our Health and Wellbeing curriculum, pastoral care systems and our universal wellbeing practices embedded in our educational approach, we are committed to modelling and teaching the transformative power of kindness.
In the lead up to World Kindness Day, recognised on Thursday 13 November, I encourage us all to pause, reflect and plan for intentional acts of kindness to ourselves, others and the environment.
In the words of Sofia from 2BR: ‘Treat other people with kindness because they will treat you with kindness. It’s kind of like a boomerang.’
Care truly begins with kindness.
Mel Brown
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Community
