Monday, November 16 through Friday, November 20 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week to help promote safe schools and a positive learning environment.  

School climate is the sum of all personal relationships among all members of the school community. A positive climate exists when everyone in the school community feels safe, comfortable and accepted, which is essential for students to succeed.

Research shows that many traditional anti-bullying programs focus on the negative actions that cause anxiety in children.  This can actually increase the bullying behaviour. But when students are taught to change their thoughts and actions by learning and practicing kindness and compassion, it fosters the positive behaviour that is desired.  Friendship is the natural reward. Creating opportunities for students to demonstrate kindness, compassion and empathy are the keys to reducing bullying and creating warm and inclusive school environments.

A number of activities, contests and opportunities to demonstrate kindness have been provided to schools to help them build on the wonderful work they already do to foster safe and inclusive schools.

Did you know that kindness is contagious?

Kindness is a contagious act that has a positive impact on our brains and on those who witness kind acts.

Kindness Increases Energy – Research has shown that when people participate in a kind act they feel stronger and more energetic; many also feel calmer.

Kindness Increases Happiness – Helpful and kind actions improve our moods and help us to feel connected to other people in our lives. For additional information to help support positive mental health and wellbeing please visit our website at https://www.st-clair.net/mental-health-home.aspx

Some of our students in Ms. Fantuz’ grade 7/8 class at St. Anne School in Blenheim have some things to say in this video they created about Kindness….