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World Kindness Day

  • 11 Nov 2021

With World Kindness Day on Saturday 13 November, it seems fitting to reflect on the qualities of kindness and compassion and the positive impact acting with kindness and compassion can have on our daily lives.

We would like to share this video that was created by Myles Kelemen - Class of 2019 and his talented team: Lani H (Year 9), Hannah F (Year 9), Gisele H (Year 9), Ilya Z (Year 9), Karleen H (Year 12), Manasi D (Year 12), Harry M (Year 11), Helen C (Year 9), Ananya J (Year 9), Mischa K (Year 9), Georgia F (Year 11), Laura W (Year 11), Ben M (Year 11), Jack C (Year 9), Sabri B (Year 12), Sam B (Year 12) and Evan G (Year 12).


Almost everybody feels good when someone is kind to them. This is especially true for those who are vulnerable or going through hard times. Acts of kindness and compassion can increase positive emotions and wellbeing. It can also help build healthy relationships, improve self esteem and encourage connection.

Small acts of kindness can have enormous power for both the person being kind and the recipient, whether it be a stranger, friend or family member. Many studies have found that kindness, compassion and giving are associated with:
  • improved happiness
  • good mental health
  • a stronger immune system
  • reduced anxiety, stress and depression
  • improved relationships
  • a longer life
Research also shows that the happiness people get from giving to others creates a ‘positive feedback loop’. The more you give, the more positive you feel; which in turn, fuels greater happiness. People who witness or benefit from someone’s kindness and compassion are also more likely to be kind themselves.

You can be kind, generous and compassionate to someone you know, or to a stranger. Positive psychology is dedicated to researching what makes individuals and communities flourish. Popular positive psychology techniques include random acts of kindness, like:
  • paying it forward – treat someone to something, like buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in the café queue
  • sending notes of gratitude – hand-write a thank you note to someone you admire or who has helped you out
  • post a sticky note – stick post-it notes with nice messages written on them around your house or somewhere in public
  • volunteering – being a volunteer helps others and is good for you too
  • donating to a charity store – help people out by giving away what you no longer want or need
  • smiling is contagious and it makes you feel good if people smile back
  • letting people know you love what they do – this could be someone you know or people you admire, like a writer or musician
We should not underestimate the power of kindness and compassion in changing the lives of those around us and we thank the community for the kindness they continue to share.

Peter Gale
Acting Student Wellbeing Coordinator