February was an exciting month for our students. Between the 100th Day of School Celebration and Valentines Day, we also used the time to focus on how we can show kindness, especially during Anti-Bully Week.
At St. Augustine School, the heart of our community is kindness. This year, we launched the “Rooted in Kindness” initiative, a program designed to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways in which kindness is spread throughout our halls and playground. Our goal is to create an environment where every student and staff member feels valued, appreciated, and inspired to perform acts of kindness, big or small.
The concept is simple yet powerful. Whenever someone witnessed an act of kindness, whether it was a thoughtful gesture, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand, they were invited to write it down on a heart-shaped note. These hearts were then displayed on our special “Kindness Tree,” a visual reminder for all to see of the positive actions happening around us.
The Kindness Tree quickly became a focal point of our school, growing fuller each day with messages of compassion, gratitude, and generosity. It served as both a recognition of the kindness already present and a reminder to continue spreading goodwill.
Through this initiative, we’ve seen firsthand how acts of kindness—whether shared between friends or offered to someone our students may not know very well—have the power to strengthen our school community. “Rooted in Kindness” has not only created a culture of empathy but has also allowed us all to reflect on the importance of treating others with respect and understanding.
As we continue to grow, our Kindness Tree serves as a testament to the strength of compassion, reminding everyone that kindness, when shared, can take root and blossom into something beautiful for all.