St. Kilian's Mindful Moment - T1W7

T1W7 - Equality

Equality means recognising that every person has equal dignity, value, and rights. International Women’s Day reminds us that women and girls should have the same opportunities and respect as everyone else. During Lent, we are called to follow Jesus by caring for others, especially those who are treated unfairly or are in need. Through the work of Caritas Australia, we put this into action by supporting communities around the world so that people can access education, food, clean water, and fair opportunities to thrive.

Acknowledgment of Country

This week, you might like to invite students to create or say their own Acknowledgement of Country.

Using the sentence starters below, students can reflect on what they are thankful for, the promise they wish to make, and what they value about Dja Dja Wurrung Country. This helps make the Acknowledgement personal, respectful, and meaningful.

St. Kilian's Acknowledgment of Country

We would like to acknowledge the Jaara people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today, we acknowledge ancestors and elders past, present and emerging and commit ourselves to work actively for reconciliation and justice.

Choose your own...

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we are on today, the Dja Dja Wurrung people.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future.

We thank them for ______________________________________.

Today, we promise to ____________________________________.

We are grateful to walk, learn, and play on this ______________________ land.

Here are some examples you might use:

Thanking them for: sharing their knowledge, caring for Country, welcoming us

Promise to: care for the land, learn about culture, treat nature with respect, invite all with open arms, help others who come to this country/land

Describe the land as: special, sacred, strong, beautiful, ancient, peaceful, friendly, open

Prayer

Centering

A quiet moment to pause, breathe, and bring our hearts and minds into God’s presence, preparing ourselves to pray with focus, gratitude, and openness.

(Inhale) Lord, prepare my heart…
(Exhale) …to walk in Your love.

(Inhale) Fill me with patience…
(Exhale) …and a spirit of readiness.

(Inhale) Help me to listen…
(Exhale) …and respond with kindness.

(Inhale) Guide my steps…
(Exhale) …as I prepare to serve.

Amen.

Reflection

A quiet moment to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts, deepen our faith, and inspire us to live with love and kindness.

Equality means that every person is important and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Equity means helping people in the ways they need so that everyone has a fair chance to do well and feel included. Sometimes this means giving different support to different people so that everyone can succeed.

The Bible teaches us that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means every person is special and valuable. Jesus showed this through the way He treated people. He welcomed those who were left out, helped people who were struggling, and reminded us to love our neighbour as ourselves.

As we watch the video and prepare to pray, we can think about this question:
How can we help make sure everyone is treated fairly and feels included at our school and in our world?

Let's talk about equality and equity

The video explains the difference between equality and equity. Equality means everyone gets the same thing. Equity means giving people what they need so everyone has a fair chance to do their best. Because people are all different and have different needs, fairness sometimes means helping people in different ways so everyone can learn, join in, and succeed.

Reflection Questions

Have I ever needed extra help to understand something or to join in? How did that help make things fair for me?
Do I notice when someone around me might need a little more support or kindness? What could I do to help them feel included?
How can I make sure the way I treat others helps everyone feel welcome, respected, and able to do their best?

Let's talk about equality and equity

The video explains the ideas of equality, equity, and social justice. Equality means everyone gets the same thing. Equity means giving people the support they need so they have a fair chance to succeed. Social justice means working together to make sure our communities and systems are fair, so everyone can feel safe, included, and able to do their best. The video reminds us that fairness is not just about rules — it’s also about caring for others and helping create a better world for everyone.

Reflection Questions

When have I seen someone treated unfairly, and how did it make me feel?
Is there someone in my class or community who might need extra support or kindness from others? What could I do to help?
How can my actions help make our classroom or school a place where everyone feels valued and included?

Offering

A moment to open our hearts to God, whether in asking for guidance, strength, and help or in giving thanks for His blessings, love, and presence in our lives.

Think about what you just learned about equality and equity. How can we help others feel included, supported, and treated fairly? Use the prompts below to help shape your prayer.

Thanksgiving prompts

Thank You, God, for giving me…
Thank You, God, for helping me…
Thank You, God, for the people who…
Thank You, God, for the beauty of…
Thank You, God, for the lessons I learn when…
Thank You, God, for always…
Thank You, God, for the moments when…
Thank You, God, for the strength to…
Thank You, God, for Your love that…
Thank You, God, for the joy of…

Asking prompts

Please, God, help me to…
Please, God, give me the courage to…
Please, God, guide me when…
Please, God, help me to be more…
Please, God, show me how to…
Please, God, help me to forgive…
Please, God, remind me to…
Please, God, be with me when…
Please, God, give me the wisdom to…
Please, God, teach me to…

Regular prayers

God, please watch over and heal those who are sick, especially…
I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially…
Lord, help those who are feeling lonely or sad to know they are loved, including…
God, please give strength and courage to people who are facing difficult times, such as…
Thank you for the beauty of creation and the many blessings in my life, like…

Prayer

SIGN OF THE CROSS PRAYER | Learn to Make the Sign of the Cross!

Let's pray the SIGN OF THE CROSS with Tomkin the Catholic Cowboy.

A simple and beautiful way to bless ourselves reminding us of Christ's love.

Our Father Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Five Finger Prayer - a guided prayer, helping to think wider than themselves

Hail Mary

Hail Mary,

Full of Grace,

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

pray for us sinners now,

and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary for Children in Song

A fun way for kids to learn the Hail Mary with song.

Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us! | Let's Pray with Tomkin

Let's pray the HAIL MARY with Tomkin the Catholic Cowboy. A most beautiful prayer to honor Our Lady, the Mother of God! Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us!

St. Kilian's School Prayer

Father,

We believe that St Kilian’s School is a great place to learn and have fun.

We trust our school community will continue to welcome new members and will always help

and care for each other.

We thank you for the love and respect of our families, teachers and friends.

With Jesus as our model, may we grow to be the best people we can.

Amen.

Songs from Opening Mass

These Hands - St. Kilian's.mp4

These Hands - Andrew Chinn (St. Kilian's Version)

Open My Heart - Jesse Manibusan

Fill Us Up - Rob Galea

Go Now in Peace - Andrew Chinn

PBIS

St. Kilian's Routines

This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz at school is all about “Moving Safely.” We are learning the importance of being respectful, responsible, and safe in how we move in our school, inside and outside.

Moving safely means using our bodies, voices, and choices to make sure everyone stays happy, calm, and free from harm when we are walking to a new place — whether that’s inside the classroom, to another learning space, or out in the yard.

One of our most important safety rules is: No running in the junior area.
This includes the spaces outside the Paderborn buildings and near the junior playground. Walking in these areas keeps everyone safe, prevents trips and falls, and makes sure younger students feel comfortable and confident when moving around.

When we move safely, we are showing our school values:

Respectful – We give others space, move quietly, and don’t disturb learning or play.
Responsible – We follow the teacher’s directions, stay with our group, and look after our own safety and the safety of others.
Safe – We walk in the right areas (especially the junior area), keep our hands and feet to ourselves, and move in a way that prevents accidents.

When everyone moves safely, we can enjoy our learning and play without anyone getting hurt.

SKPS Student Movement (Inside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Inside)

This routine is used anytime students need to move around within the classroom (e.g., from mat to table, or into groups).

It keeps the classroom calm and safe, helps everyone know what to do, and stops confusion or rushing.

Movement Inside the Classroom (Short Version)

Ready in Five
Listen for when, what, and who will move
Move silently and safely when told
Stay focused and listen for the next instruction

SKPS Student Movement (Outside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Outside)

This routine is for times when students move out of the classroom (e.g., to specialists, Mass, assembly).

It shows respect to others, keeps everyone together and safe, and helps the class arrive at places calmly and on time.

Movement Outside the Classroom (Short Version)

Ready in Five
Line up in two quiet lines
Stay with the person in front of you
Walk quietly and respectfully
Stop when asked and listen carefully

SKPS Ready in Five.docx

Ready in Five

‘Ready in Five’ is a consistent teacher prompt used to gain students' full attention before giving instructions or starting a lesson.

The teacher stands in a central position, counts down from five while scanning the room, and waits for 100% of students to respond and make eye contact. It teaches students to stop, look, and listen, creating a calm and focused transition into learning.

SKPS Classroom Entry.docx

Classroom Entry

The Classroom Entry Routine sets clear expectations for how students enter the room after breaks or transitions.

Students line up in pairs, enter quietly, stand or sit in their spot, and wait with eyes on the teacher before being greeted and seated. It promotes calm, safe, and respectful beginnings to lessons, helping students settle quickly for learning.

SKPS Clasroom Exit.docx

Classroom Exit

The Classroom Exit Routine guides students in leaving the room calmly and respectfully at the end of a lesson or day.

Students pack up quietly, stand behind their desks, respond to the teacher's farewell, and are dismissed row by row. It ensures a smooth and safe transition, reinforcing gratitude, order, and readiness for what comes next.

Problem Solving

Sometimes, problems at school—whether with friends, classmates, or learning—can feel tricky to solve on your own. That’s why your teachers are here! If something is making you upset, confused, or unsure, asking a teacher for help can make a big difference.

- Teachers can help you:
  🔹 Find fair and kind ways to solve conflicts.
  🔹 Give advice on making good choices.
  🔹 Support you when you feel worried or frustrated.
  🔹 Make sure everyone feels safe and respected.

Asking for help is a smart and strong thing to do. You don’t have to handle everything alone—your teacher is here to listen and support you!

When something is wrong poster.pdf

At St. Kilian's, we have a visual to help teach and remind us of what we can do when something is bothering us.

If something is bothering us we can;

Keep doing what I am doing.
- This means to stay focussed on what I am doing. If that doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can move away.
- This might mean moving away in another space in the room, or moving to a whole another new space.
- This could also mean moving to another group of people.
- If this doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can ask an adult for help.
- If the first two steps didn't work, then you can ask an adult to help you solve your problem.

Hands On

At St. Kilian’s, we keep our hands and feet to ourselves to make sure everyone feels safe and respected. If a hands-on incident happens (like pushing, hitting, or grabbing), here’s what will happen:

A teacher will step in to stop the situation and check that everyone is okay.
The incident will be reported to all staff and Mr. Teggelove and Mr. Podosky so they can follow up.
Parents will be informed about what happened.
A consequence will be given - 1 break off the yard
A restorative conversation will take place to help you understand what happened, why it wasn’t okay, and how to handle things better next time.

Our goal is to help everyone feel safe and supported while learning how to make positive choices and solve problems without using hands-on behaviour. If you ever feel unsafe, always talk to a teacher or trusted adult!

Special Events

International Women's Day - March 8

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate girls and women all around the world. It reminds us that everyone should be treated fairly and have the same chances to learn, work, and follow their dreams. It’s also a time to thank the important women in our lives and to stand up for kindness and equality.

What is International Women's Day?

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March each year. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and to remember the many ways they help make our world better.

The video explains that in the past, women had to work hard to gain equal rights, such as the right to vote, go to school, and have the same opportunities as men. International Women’s Day reminds us to respect, support, and treat everyone fairly, and to keep working towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities.

General Reflection Questions:

Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
How were girls and women treated unfairly in the past?
What are some things that have changed for women over time?
Why is it important for everyone to have the same opportunities, no matter if they are a boy or a girl?

Personal Reflection Questions:

Can you think of a woman or girl in your life who inspires you? What makes them special?
How would you feel if you weren’t allowed to do something just because of who you are?
Have you ever seen someone being treated unfairly? What could you do to help?

t-tp-6520-ks1-international-womens-day-powerpoint_ver_12.pptx

au-t-10000681-international-womens-day-snapshots-worksheet_ver_2.pdf

International Women’s Day Snapshots Worksheet

Students will choose a female role model, describe her strengths and qualities, and reflect on why she inspires them. This activity celebrates women’s contributions and promotes fairness and equality.

Instructions:

Think of a Role Model – Choose a woman who inspires you. This could be a family member, teacher, athlete, historical figure, or someone in the community.
Describe Her Skills – Write about what she is good at. For example, is she a great leader, a caring person, a strong athlete, or a talented artist?
Draw or Describe Her Appearance – Either draw a picture of her or write about what she looks like.
Explain Why She is an Example – Write about why this person is a great role model. What makes her special or inspiring?
List Her Characteristics – Think about her personality. Is she kind, brave, hardworking, or determined? Write down words that describe her.

Here are some simple classroom ideas you could use in your classrooms:

Roll Call Inspiration – During the roll, invite students to name a woman who inspires them (a family member, teacher, sportsperson, historical figure, etc.) and briefly share why.
Inspirational Women Spotlight – Watch a short clip about an influential woman and have a short class discussion about what makes her inspiring.
Women Who Changed the World – Introduce students to a few important women from history, science, sport, or social justice and talk about the impact they had.
Thank You Notes – Students write a short thank-you note or message to a woman who has helped or inspired them.
Class Discussion – Talk about the strengths women bring to families, schools, and communities (kindness, leadership, courage, creativity, resilience).
Class Gratitude Board – Create a quick board or poster where students can add the name of a woman they appreciate and one word about why.
Prayer or Reflection – Take a moment to pray or reflect in gratitude for the women who care for and support us.

Prayers of the Faithful – International Women’s Day

Leader:
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we bring our prayers to God, giving thanks for the gifts and contributions of women in our world.

1. For women across the world — that their dignity, gifts, and voices may be recognised and respected in every community.
Lord, hear us.

2. For women who lead, teach, care, and serve others — especially the women in our school community — that God may bless them with strength, wisdom, and joy in all they do.
Lord, hear us.

3. For women who face injustice, hardship, or discrimination — that they may experience safety, fairness, and the support of loving communities.
Lord, hear us.

4. For the women in our own lives — our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, teachers, and friends — that we may always show them gratitude, respect, and love.
Lord, hear us.

5. For our school community — that we may continue to value the gifts of every person and work together to build a world of dignity, kindness, and equality.
Lord, hear us.

Leader:
Loving God, we thank you for the many ways women enrich our lives and our world. Hear the prayers we bring before you today and guide us to always honour the dignity of every person.
Amen.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is about helping people who don’t have what they need to live a happy and healthy life. It’s a special project that raises money to give food, water, shelter, and education to people in different parts of the world. When we take part in Project Compassion, we are showing kindness and care for others, just like Jesus teaches us to do.

Project Compassion 2026

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten campaign, inviting us to live out our faith by supporting people in need, both in Australia and around the world. Each year, it shares real stories of individuals and communities who are working to overcome challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education, and limited healthcare.

Through Project Compassion, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference. Funds raised go towards sustainable, long-term solutions — helping communities to become stronger, more independent, and full of hope.

As a school community, we are invited to take part through prayer, awareness, and giving, putting our faith into action and standing in solidarity with others.

Manaini from Fiji

Life was hard for Manaini and her children living in rural Fiji. With the support from Caritas Australia’s partner, FRIEND, she learnt food processing and gardening skills, improving nutrition and creating new income opportunities to support her children’s education.

The family lived from what they grew, but meals were plain and often lacked nutrition. Store food was too expensive. At night, the village was in darkness, leaving children and the elderly unsafe.

Almost one quarter of Fiji’s population live in poverty, and rates are higher in rural villages. Any extra income can mean the difference between children completing school, being able to buy medicine, or simply managing daily costs. This is what poverty looks like in rural Fiji – every dollar counts.

Class Discussion

How did Manaini earn money for her family before joining the FRIEND program?
How did Caritas Australia and the FRIEND program help her?
What new skills did Manaini learn?
Why is it important for people to learn new skills?
What has earning more money meant for Manaini and her family?
How could you share Manaini’s story with others?

Solar Power

The sun gives us light and energy, and many communities around the world use solar power to generate electricity. In Manaini’s community, solar-powered lights help families study in the evening and move around safely at night. Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning it does not run out like coal or other fossil fuels. Through this activity, students will think about how solar power helps communities like Manaini’s and why it is important for the future.

Instructions

Share the statement with students: “The sun is important for families like Manaini’s.”
Students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to answer the following questions.
- 1. Why is the sun important?
  2. Why does that matter?
  3. Why is that important for families like Manaini’s?
Students record their ideas and then share their thinking with the class.

Reflection Questions

How does solar power help families like Manaini’s?
Why might solar power be important for communities that do not have much electricity?
What are some other ways the sun’s energy could help people in the future?

Paper Weaving

Manaini helps support her family by weaving mats, using materials like straw and wool. Weaving is a traditional skill used in many cultures around the world to create useful items and earn income. In this activity, students will learn a simple weaving technique to better understand the work Manaini does and the skills she uses to support her family.

Instructions

Explain that Manaini earns money by weaving mats.
Show the video
Provide students with materials such as paper strips, coloured paper, wool, or fabric.
Students follow the instructions to create their own woven piece.
Finished pieces can be displayed in the classroom to celebrate their learning.

Reflection Questions

How might weaving help Manaini support her family?
What skills do you think Manaini needs to weave mats well?
How did it feel to learn and try a new skill?

Prayer

As we learn about Manaini’s life and the work of Caritas, we are reminded that our faith calls us to care for others around the world. In this activity, students will write Prayers of the Faithful for Manaini, her family, her community, and others who may need support.

Instructions

Explain that Prayers of the Faithful are prayers where we ask God to help people in need.
Students write one or more prayers for:
- - Manaini and her family
  - Her community
  - People who need opportunities or support
Gather the class together for a short time of prayer.Invite students to read their prayers aloud.

Reflection Questions

Why is it important to pray for people in other parts of the world?
How can prayer help us care for others?
Besides praying, what are other ways we can help people like Manaini?

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching helps us learn how to live like Jesus. It teaches us to love others, be kind, share what we have, and stand up for what is right. It reminds us that every person is important and deserves to be treated with respect.

We learn this through these key ideas:

Human Dignity – Every person is special and important
The Common Good – We work together so everyone is cared for
Participation – Everyone belongs and has a voice
Preferential Option for the Poor – We care for people who need help the most
Solidarity – We are one big family and stand together
Subsidiarity – We make fair choices close to where people are affected
Stewardship (Care for Creation) – We look after our world

Catholic Social Teaching

In this video, we learn something really special: God made the whole world, and every single person in it — including you! That means we are all part of one big family, no matter where we live or what we look like.

The video teaches us that Jesus wants us to look after one another. Some people don’t have as much food, clean water, or a safe place to live, and Jesus asks us to care for them first. When we help others, we are showing God’s love.

We also learn that the world is our home — our common home — and we have to take good care of it. That means looking after plants, animals, the oceans, and the land, so everyone can enjoy God’s creation.

The video reminds us to be fair, to share what we have, to stand up for people who are being treated badly, and to work together to make the world a better place.

When we do these things — when we are kind, caring, fair, and brave — we are living just like Jesus taught us. And even small actions from kids like you can make a big difference in the world.

Reflection Questions

1. We Are All One Family

Who are some people you think of when you hear the word family?
How can we show kindness to people who are far away or different from us?

2. Helping People in Need

What is one small thing you could do today to help someone who might be having a hard time?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to look after people who are struggling?

3. Fairness and Justice

Have you ever seen something that wasn’t fair? What happened?
What could you do if you see someone being treated unfairly at school?

4. Caring for God’s Creation

What is one way you can take care of the earth this week?
Why do you think God wants us to protect the world?

5. Sharing and Working Together

What is something you are good at sharing?
How does working together make life better for everyone?

Lent

During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer. Below are some different ways you might explore these practices during Lent. You might like to use these practices in your daily routines.

What is Lent?

Lent: A Time of Renewal

On Ash Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days, reminding us of Jesus’ time in the desert, where He fasted and prayed. During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.

Fasting: More than just giving up food, fasting is about making space for God. This could mean reducing screen time, cutting back on unnecessary spending, or letting go of habits that distract from faith.

Almsgiving: Lent is a time to be generous and serve others. You might donate to a charity, support a parish initiative, or simply offer time to someone in need. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Prayer: Deepen your connection with Jesus by setting aside time for prayer each day. This could include reading Scripture, attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or keeping a gratitude journal focused on God’s blessings.

Almsgiving (Charity) - Sharing with Others

Donate clothes, toys, or books to someone in need.
Give money or food to a local charity, food bank, or mission.
Offer to help a neighbour or family member without being asked.
Share your time by visiting someone who is lonely or writing a kind note to a friend.
Participate in school or parish fundraising efforts for those in need.
Do extra chores at home and donate your allowance to a good cause.
Be generous with kind words and encouragement to others.
Offer to sit with someone new at lunch or include them in a game.
Pray for people who are struggling, especially those without food or shelter.

Fasting – Sacrificing to Grow in Self-Discipline

Give up sweets, snacks, or soft drinks and offer that sacrifice to God.
Avoid video games or TV for a day and spend time helping others instead.
Skip complaining and choose gratitude instead.
Fast from unnecessary screen time and use the time for family or prayer.
Give up negative thoughts or gossip and focus on kind words.
Eat simpler meals and remember those who don’t have enough food.
Walk or bike instead of taking the car, appreciating God’s creation.
Avoid wasting food or water and be mindful of how you use resources.
Take a break from buying new things and appreciate what you already have.

Prayer – Talking and Listening to God

Begin and end the day with a short prayer of thanks.
Say a prayer before meals, even silently.
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or meditation each day.
Pray for family, friends, and those in need, including people you struggle with.
Read a Bible verse and think about how it applies to your life.
Write a list of things you are grateful for and thank God for them.
Create a prayer jar, writing down intentions and offering them to God.
Attend Mass or a prayer service with family or school.
Pray a decade of the Rosary or another simple prayer form.
Try journaling your prayers or drawing a picture to express your thoughts to God.

Lenten Prayer

This Lent Prayer is a reflection on the season of Lent, focusing on growing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It begins with centering oneself in God’s presence and encourages self-discipline, kindness, and spiritual growth. The prayer includes Prayers of the Faithful, asking for strength, forgiveness, and gratitude, reminding us to be our best selves and to prepare our hearts for Easter.

Click on the picture to the left, or the link above to access the prayer.

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