World Kindness Day

Often we undervalue the positive impact small acts of kindness can have on another person. Next Friday 13^th November is World Kindness Day. A smile, speaking in a friendly voice, helping another or doing something thoughtful or generous for someone can brighten a dull day and invigorate our feelings and emotions. Acting kindly towards another not only makes the receiver feel good, but the person performing the actions will feel fulfilled and satisfied.

Are such behaviours innate or do they need to be learnt? Recent scientific evidence has found that surprisingly, our brains are actually wired to be benevolent. Our social environment is often directed towards an ‘every man for himself attitude’ and is based upon success at the expense of others.

Like any skill, how to speak and act with kindness towards another person is something that can be taught. Developing social and emotional competencies in students is a major focus of Pacific’s education program. Research regularly reaffirms that happy, confident and resilient children perform better academically. As a community, let’s focus on treating others with kindness. Looking out for the needs of others is at our core as a Lutheran school, where God encourages us “to love our neighbours as ourselves”.