From the Leader of Wellbeing

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Kindness is . . . (free, contagious, beautiful, magic, never wasted)

Kindness is an action. It is something that humans do.

We learn at a young age that it feels good when we are treated with kindness and even better when we are kind to others. Our feelings teach us what kindness is and most importantly we learn how to be kind through the role models we are surrounded by.

At a young age, we learn that it feels positive when we are treated with kindness and it feels just as good, if not better when we are kind to others.

Kindness is a character strength. Individuals who believe that all are worthy of attention, recognition, respect, and dignity because they are human beings. 

Kindness reflects the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity, which stems from the belief that every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and as a result, all are born with inherent dignity, and life is sacred.  

The College Prayer is a prayer of petition that is known by all. 

It asks God to:

  • Guide us to build positive relationships 
  • Teach us to learn and love through your Word 
  • Teach us to value inclusion and diversity
  • Teach us to seize opportunities to serve others
  • Inspire us with the courage to embrace new experiences
  • Empower us, in Mary’s name TO LIVE: “Goodness Above All”

“US” means every individual in our community and world. When a student does this they are an authentic witness to the college motto as they place “Goodness Above All”

Kindness is not a dimension of the Marist Vision because it is how a Marist Woman of Action conducts herself when living her Marist compass and MSCW motto.

A Marist Student is KIND when she:

  • demonstrates care and respect for herself and others –  SISTERS
  • recognising the gifts (the goodness) of others and when sharing her gifts with those around her – GIFTS
  • leans into challenges (academic and social), makes judgements (assesses), takes risks (acts on her judgement) – COURAGE
  • expresses her confidence as a Marist Woman of action by empowering herself and in doing so empowers others: EMPOWER
  • places the goodness of all first: GOODNESS ABOVE ALL

There is a line in the College Prayer which is a key statement about what a student of Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich is:

“We are capable, committed and compassionate”

If this is who Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich students are then a Marist Woman of Action is kind. But what if she is not? Then it is our collective responsibility as students, staff and parents to Guide, Teach, Inspire and Empower her to live “Goodness Above All” as expected in our Catholic community and remind her that she is capable of change, committed to being the best version of herself and compassionate towards others and herself.  We also need to do as Jesus did, forgive.

 

Transition to high school & mental health
– November 21 & 27
 
 
 
 
Ms Angela Bowland, Leader of Wellbeing

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8