Through the Window

Every morning, students gather in the junior playground before the first bell rings. At this time of day, you’d notice lots of movement as students exit cars, or farewell their parents at the gate, place their bag in their class line, and begin to wander the

However, if you look closely, you’ll also see that a few Year 5 students have gently taken the hand of a Kindergarten student to help her find some friends to play with. Mixed teams of older students start to play handball, and include the younger students in their game, teaching them the rules. Teachers on duty move around with students-in-tow, keeping them company until a friend is finally dropped off at the gate. Year 6 students prepare to lead the morning assembly, gathering the right amount of birthday stickers and checking their script. Children on the grassy area laugh and joke together, and share stories of the evening before. Parents and carers wave to class teachers as they leave their children in their care. The bell rings, and teachers greet students at the lines with smiles and friendly banter before we all join in prayer to start the day.

Our school encourages and teaches empathy, which yields kindness and compassion and a desire to be welcoming - qualities most parents hope to instil in their children. Empathy makes us happier and more courageous, too. And people with empathy have stronger personal connections and more meaningful, supportive relationships. Scientists believe that there is a very strong link between social-emotional learning (with empathy as a core component) and academic success. The more social and emotional skills students are equipped with, the easier they will find the social aspect of schooling, and the more they will be able to focus on their learning.

We understand that our littlest people are learning to be 'good, big people'. So staff don't just model kindness and compassionate practices at St Matthew's - we also teach it. For example, our classroom teachers use their read aloud time to help to kick start conversations about difference, kindness, communication and understanding, helping our students to empathise with unfamiliar experiences and emotions.

Empathy is one of the most defining — and important — human qualities, and it's on display every morning here at wonderful St Matthew's.

Yes - you thought you were watching a large group of students waiting for the bell to ring, but it really was so much more than that.

Petra Cole
Assistant Principal
Petra.Cole@cg.catholic.edu.au