Kindness Starts with Me!

Kindness Starts with Me is a social-emotional learning initiative at St. Francis Community School aimed at combating bullying by fostering self-respect and self-worth among grade 7 and 8 student leaders. The initiative emphasizes personal hygiene as a key aspect of self-care, which in turn nurtures self-esteem. When students prioritize self-care, they are better equipped to extend kindness and respect to others.

The initiative has had a positive impact on students. When grade 7 and 8 student leaders feel good about their physical appearance, they are more likely to attend school regularly and engage actively in their learning and school activities. This boost in self-esteem enhances their willingness to take on leadership roles and share kindness with peers and younger students.

Throughout the school year, grade 7 and 8 students participate in various leadership roles, from serving as role models to taking on formal responsibilities in programs like the Big Buddies Program and Community Service Projects.

“The Be Kind Online grant has been instrumental in supporting this initiative. The funds were used to provide Hygiene Packs filled with personal hygiene supplies for all grade 7 and 8 students. Student advisors from each class helped determine the necessary hygiene items, and the packs were assembled and distributed”—Shane Smith, Adult Sponsor.

In a display of generosity, the students chose to use remaining grant funds to provide mini hygiene packs for the grade 6 class, the next year’s incoming student leaders. As a result, St. Francis Community School was able to distribute 128 hygiene packs to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, instead of the initially planned 101 packs.

This initiative not only promotes self-care and self-respect but also instills a sense of community and leadership among students. By prioritizing kindness and self-care, St. Francis Community School is paving the way for a more compassionate and respectful future.