Kindness in our school community

At JPC we have just finished recognising Anti-Bullying Week, where our focus was on standing up against negative behaviours and supporting one another. This message now leads us directly into RUOK? Day (Thursday 11 September), a reminder that kindness, empathy and checking in with others can make a real difference in someone’s life.

RUOK? Day

On Thursday 11 September our school will stand together to promote compassion, connection and open conversations. The colour yellow — symbolising optimism, joy, happiness and friendship — reminds us of the light we can bring to others through kindness.

This semester in PDHPE we encourage our students to remember three important messages:
• Be kind to others — show empathy, respect and care in every interaction.
• Embrace change — growth comes from adapting, learning and trying new experiences.
• Everything you are comes from your choices — our decisions shape who we become, so let’s make them count.

What we’re learning in PDHPE

Our Health and PE lessons provide a natural space for teamwork, communication and care for others, all of which build the skills needed to stand against bullying and support one another. This term our focus areas are:

• Year 7 — building strong foundations through nutrition education and developing physical literacy with fun, inclusive games.
• Year 8 — exploring emotions and relationships in Health while engaging in invasion and target games that build problem-solving and cooperation skills.
• Year 9 — developing independence through Road Ready safety education, practical challenge and adventure activities, and learning about international sports to promote cultural understanding and respect.
• Year 10 — focusing on lifelong wellbeing with Fit and Healthy units and developing leadership skills in coaching, teamwork and gameplay.

I have witnessed many wonderful acts of kindness from our students that reflect the spirit of both Anti-Bullying Week and RUOK? Day, such as:

• Encouraging teammates: cheering for someone trying a new skill, even if they make mistakes.
• Including others: inviting someone to join a game or group who may be left out.
• Respect in competition: shaking hands after a match, congratulating opponents and playing fairly.
• Supporting wellbeing: checking in with a classmate who looks upset or anxious.
• Positive communication: using encouraging words (“You’ve got this!”, “Nice effort!”) instead of criticism.
• Role modelling: experienced students helping peers learn a new skill.
• Team spirit: celebrating group achievements rather than only individual success.

Why kindness matters in Education, Health & PE

1. Mental health and wellbeing
• Around 1 in 4 young Australians experience mental health challenges each year (Beyond Blue).
• Kindness reduces stress and anxiety and helps students feel supported.
• It boosts confidence and belonging, lowering feelings of isolation.
• It encourages optimism, self-respect and resilience in both the classroom and on the sporting field.

2. Academic and physical performance
• Students who feel safe and supported at school are more likely to achieve higher grades (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
• A supportive environment helps students try new skills without fear of failure.
• It builds confidence to take healthy risks, ask questions and engage in learning.
• It promotes fair play, teamwork and creative problem solving.

3. Reducing bullying and conflict
• Around 1 in 5 Australian students report being bullied (Bullying. No Way!, 2024).
• Anti-Bullying Week highlighted the importance of empathy, respect and inclusivity.
• By carrying these lessons into RUOK? Week, we can turn kindness into action and build a safer, more welcoming environment for all.

4. Building a positive school culture
• Acts of kindness increase serotonin and dopamine levels, improving mood and relationships (University of Oxford, 2023).
• Kindness is contagious — when one student shows it, others follow.
• It strengthens relationships, encourages acceptance and celebrates diversity.
• Through Health and PE we see how kindness on the field or in the classroom makes everyone stronger.

As we step into RUOK? Week, I encourage you to continue these conversations at home. A great way to do this is by asking your child:
• “How did you show kindness in PE this week?”
• “What’s one way you included or encouraged someone today?”

These small but meaningful conversations reinforce the importance of kindness and remind students that what they learn in PE is valuable both inside and outside the classroom.

Kym Darmody
Head of HPE / Sport

Bibliography
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Students’ engagement and achievement in schools. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports
Beyond Blue. (2023). Youth mental health statistics. https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Bullying. No Way! (2024). Bullying statistics. https://bullyingnoway.gov.au
University of Oxford. (2023). The neuroscience of kindness and wellbeing. https://www.ox.ac.uk
Jokela, M., & Hanin, Y. (1999). Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning in sports performance. Routledge.
Hill, D., Hanton, S., Matthews, N., & Fleming, S. (2010). Choking in sport: The role of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(2), 201–209.