St. Kilian's Mindful Moment - T3W3

T3W2 - Leadership

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being the loudest voice. True leadership is about serving others, listening deeply, and making choices that lift people up. Whether you're guiding a team, a friend, or just leading by example, your actions have the power to inspire.

Acknowledgement of Country

We say an Acknowledgement of Country to show respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—the First Peoples of Australia.

Before our school, houses, or roads were built, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people cared for this land for a very long time.

It’s a way of remembering that we all share the land and that we want to take care of it and each other.

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.

All: May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one.

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

Junior Acknowledgement of Country

Here is the Land, here is the Sky, here are my friends, and here am I.

We play today on traditional Land, Our First Nation people, we walk hand in hand.

We’d like to say thank you for letting us share the Land that you love. We promise to take care.

Prayer

We pray to talk to God. Just like we speak with our family or friends, prayer is our way of staying connected to God. We might pray to say thank you, to ask for help, to say sorry, or simply to spend time with Him.

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.

These four short meditations offer quick and gentle ways to calm your mind, refocus your attention, and take care of your wellbeing—perfect for busy days, short breaks, or when you're feeling overwhelmed.

The 2-minute Focus Reset helps you take a deep breath, pause, and find your focus again so you can return to work or study feeling clear and ready.
The Grounding Exercise gently brings you out of racing thoughts and back into the present moment by focusing on your body and breath.
The 5-Minute Self-Care Meditation invites you to slow down, let go of tension, and show kindness to yourself—just like you would to a friend.
The 3-Minute Body Scan guides you to notice parts of your body (like your feet, hands, and forehead), helping you feel relaxed, steady, and more connected.

Prayer Meditation/Centering

Let’s take a moment to be still.

Breathe in… slowly and deeply.

Breathe out… gently.

Let’s do that again.

Breathe in… peace.

Breathe out… any worries.

Now let us pray.

Loving God,

As we sit quietly, we turn our hearts to You. (Pause)

Lead us today—

in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

Breathe in… Your love.

Breathe out… kindness to others.

Help us to listen well,

to be brave, and to do what is right.

Be with us in everything we do.

Breathe in… God’s presence.

Breathe out… calm and focus.

Use the music while you guide the students for meditation

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.

What does the Bible say about leadership?

The Bible teaches that true leadership means using your gifts wisely and caring for others with love and courage. In the Parable of the Talents, we learn that good leaders use what they’ve been given to make a difference. In The Good Shepherd, Jesus shows us that real leaders protect, guide, and never give up on others. Leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about helping, serving, and doing what’s right.

The Lost Sheep

Jesus talked about being the Good Shepherd, and how he takes care of his sheep. In those days, shepherds looked after their sheep by leading them, feeding them, and protecting them from danger—like wild animals or getting lost.

Jesus said a good shepherd knows every sheep by name and the sheep know his voice. He stays with them, guides them to safety, and will even risk his life to save them. A bad shepherd would run away when trouble comes—but not the good one.

Jesus is telling us that He is our Good Shepherd. He loves each of us, watches over us, and will never leave us. He leads with love, not fear.

👉 What it teaches us about leadership:
This story shows that a great leader is someone who cares deeply for others, knows them well, and sticks with them no matter what. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is a leader who protects, guides, and loves every person. He doesn’t run away when things are hard—He stays and helps. Good leaders are kind, trustworthy, and always thinking about how to take care of the people around them.

Reflection Questions:
What made Jesus a “Good Shepherd” to his people?
→ How can you care for others like a good leader does?

How does knowing someone’s name and listening to them show leadership?
→ Who can you get to know better this week?

When things get tough, do you give up or keep going?
→ What can you do to stay strong and lead with courage like Jesus?

The Good Shepherd always stays with his sheep.
→ How can you be someone others can count on?

Parable of the Talents

Jesus told a story about a man who was going on a long trip. Before he left, he gave three of his servants some money to look after while he was away. One servant got five talents (a large amount of money), another got two talents, and the last one got one talent. Each person got what the master believed they could handle.

The servant with five talents used the money wisely and earned five more. The servant with two talents also worked hard and gained two more. But the servant with one talent was afraid of messing up—so he dug a hole and hid the money.

When the master came back, he was very happy with the first two servants because they used what they had and tried their best. But he was disappointed with the third servant, who didn’t even try. The master wanted each servant to be brave and make a difference with what they were given.

👉 What it teaches us about leadership:
This story teaches us that leaders are brave, responsible, and willing to try. A good leader doesn’t hide their gifts—they use them to help others and make things better. Even if we feel nervous, God wants us to trust Him and do our best. Leadership means giving things a go, making smart choices, and using what we have to make a difference.

Reflection Questions:
What “talents” or gifts has God given you?
→ How can you use those gifts to help others at school or home?

Why do you think the first two servants were called “good and faithful”?
→ What does being a “faithful leader” mean to you?

The third servant was afraid to try. Have you ever felt like that?
→ What can you do to be brave and step up as a leader next time?

How can you be responsible with something you’ve been trusted with?
→ Can being responsible make you a better leader?

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.

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

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.

A Prayer for the Environment

Dear God,

Thank You for giving me gifts I can use to help others.

Teach me to be a kind and brave leader—

to listen well, to include others, and to do what is right.

Help me to lead like Jesus, with love and care.

Amen.

The Aboriginal Our Father

The Aboriginal Our Father is a version of the traditional Christian Lord’s Prayer expressed through the language, imagery, and spirituality of Aboriginal culture.

The Aboriginal Our Father reminds us that:

God is close – like the land we walk on and the sky above us.
Forgiveness and peace are part of walking together.
We are called to live in respect, balance, and care for one another and the earth.

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.

What is leadership?

Leadership is not just about being the boss or standing in front of a group. A leader is someone who helps others, makes good choices, and sets a positive example—even when no one is watching.

Leaders can:

Invite someone to play who’s feeling left out
Listen to others’ ideas and work as a team
Help clean up without being asked
Stay calm and kind when things don’t go their way
Speak up for what’s right, even if it’s hard

You don’t have to be loud or in charge to be a leader. Sometimes the best leaders are the quiet helpers, the brave includers, and the kind encouragers.

Everyone has the chance to lead—just by doing the right thing.

Clips that show integrity

Being A Leader | Good Manners

In this episode, Ms. Tab and her animated friends explore what makes a good leader—and it’s more than just giving orders. They visit a farm where they learn that real leadership takes encouragement and patience. With Cap’n Leigh Dership, they solve a jungle treasure map together, discovering that leadership also involves following someone’s example and working as a team. Alongside good manners, they uncover that true leaders use kindness and encouragement—not power—to guide others.

Reflection Questions:

What did the people on the farm show about good leaders?
How did Cap’n Leigh and the team use leadership together?
Why isn’t leadership just about giving orders?
How do good manners and leadership go together?
How does this apply at school?

Kid President Asks "What Makes an Awesome Leader?"

In this episode, Kid President interviews student leaders from the California Association of Student Leaders. Together, they explore what it takes to be an awesome leader—not just about titles or authority, but about making a positive difference in your school and community. The students emphasize creativity, kindness, and teamwork. Kid President and friends remind us that kids can lead too and that leadership means stepping up to make the world a better place

Reflection Questions:

How did the student leaders in the video show that kids can make a difference?
Why do actions like kindness, creativity, and teamwork make someone an awesome leader?
Do you think leaders always need to be in charge? Why or why not?
What is one thing you could plan or do that would help others feel included or supported?
How might this apply at school?

Reflection Questions – Why Is It Important to Show Leadership at School?

What does being a good leader at school look like?
When have you helped or guided someone without being asked?
→ How did it feel? Would you do it again?
Have you ever had to make a good choice, even when it was hard?
→ What helped you do the right thing?
Do you think leaders always need to be loud or in charge?
→ What are some quiet ways people lead at school?
What’s one way you can lead by example in the classroom or on the playground?
Who do you look up to as a leader at school, and why?
How can you include others and make them feel welcome?
→ Why is that an important part of leadership?
What’s one leadership goal you want to work on today/this week?
→ (e.g., listening better, helping more, being brave)

PBIS

St. Kilian's Routines

SKPS Using Mini Whiteboards.pdf

Using Mini Whiteboards

This routine teaches students how to use their mini whiteboards properly during lessons.

It helps everyone stay focused, answer quickly without shouting, and gives the teacher a fast way to see what everyone understands.

Mini Whiteboard Routine (Short Version)

Ready in Five
Pick up your board and write
Put the lid on and “hover it” (face down)
“3, 2, 1 chin it” – show me your answer
Sit quietly while I check
“Bin it” – erase your board
“Park it” – put your board and marker down

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 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 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.

PBIS Focus - 'Leave No Trace'

This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz at school is all about “Leave No Trace.” We are learning the importance of being respectful, responsible, and safe in how we treat our belongings in the classroom and on the yard.

Leave No Trace means showing care for our environment, shared spaces, and each other by making sure we don’t leave mess, damage, or harm behind. It reminds us to respect the places we learn and play in and leave them as we found them—or even better.

This connects to our school values:

Respectful – We treat all spaces with care.
Example: We walk around plants and artworks instead of stepping on or over them.
Safe – We keep areas clean and clear so everyone can use them safely.
Example: We put away sports equipment and pick up rubbish so others don’t trip or slip.
Responsible – We take ownership of our own mess and help others do the same.
Example: We tidy our workspace, push in our chairs, and pack up shared materials even if we didn’t use them.

By living these values, we show that we care for our school, our environment, and our community.

In the Classroom

Respectful:

How do I show respect for our classroom space and the people who use it after me?
Do I treat our books, furniture, and materials with care?

Responsible:

Do I pack up my things and clean up my space when I finish an activity?
What can I do if I see a mess that isn’t mine?

Safe:

How does keeping the classroom tidy help keep everyone safe?
Do I leave the space clear so others don’t trip or get hurt?

On the yard

Respectful:

How do I show respect for nature, like plants, trees, and animals in our yard?
Do I leave shared equipment and spaces ready for the next person?

Responsible:

Do I put my rubbish in the bin or pick it up if I see it?
Do I play in the right areas and use equipment properly?

Safe:

How do I make sure the yard is clean and safe for everyone to enjoy?
Do I let a teacher know if I see something unsafe?

St. Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop’s feast day is celebrated on 8th August. She was the first saint from Australia and started schools to help children learn, especially those who were poor or living far away. Mary showed love, courage, and kindness, and trusted God through everything she did.

Who is Mary MacKillop?

Mary MacKillop was the first Australian saint. She loved God and wanted to help others, especially children who didn’t have a chance to go to school. She started schools all around Australia so kids could learn and have a better future. Mary was kind, brave, and never gave up—even when things were really hard. She believed in the words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” We remember her as someone who showed love through her actions and helped make Australia a fairer place.

When is her feast day?

Mary MacKillop’s feast day is celebrated on 8th August each year. It’s a special day to remember her life, her love for God, and all the good things she did to help others. Schools and churches across Australia honour her on this day.

The Story of Mary MacKillop

This short video tells the inspiring story of Mary MacKillop—Australia’s first saint—focusing on how she began teaching in a tiny rural school and founded a new religious community to bring education to children in need. It highlights her kindness, courage, and devotion to helping others even when facing challenges.

Why did Mary MacKillop want to start schools in rural areas?
What kind of challenges did she face while helping others?
Think about the phrase “Never see a need without doing something about it.” How could you live that out in your school or home?

Australia's Only Saint, Mary Mackillop, Celebrates 10 Years Since Canonization

This news segment marks the 10th anniversary of Mary MacKillop’s canonization (declared a saint by the Pope in 2010). It reflects on her life as a pioneer who broke stereotypes, founded the Sisters of St Joseph, and brought schools and services to many communities. It also emphasizes her legacy of compassion, leadership, and the motto that guided her: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Why do you think it was important that Mary MacKillop was officially recognised as a saint?
How did Mary inspire women and leaders in the Church, according to the news report?
What does celebrating the 10-year anniversary tell us about Mary’s ongoing impact today?

Prayers of the Faithful for St. Mary MacKillop

This Prayer of the Faithful honours the life and legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. It invites students and staff to reflect on how Mary’s faith, courage, and compassion can inspire our own lives today. Each prayer intention is connected to her mission—supporting the Church, caring for others, valuing education, and living with kindness and action. The prayer encourages us all to live by her famous words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

It is suitable for classroom prayer, whole-school liturgies, or Mass celebrations on or around her feast day (August 8).

You can access it here or by clicking on the picture: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvE2acbrg/3A9SwLhMs2R49Q9azBsQ9w/view?utm_content=DAGvE2acbrg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf5d7cc3e3f

au-t2-re-5-saint-mary-mackillop-colouring-pages_ver_3.pdf

Mary MacKillop Colouring Pages

These simple, printable colouring pages celebrate Saint Mary MacKillop's life and feast day (8th August). They can be used as a reflective or creative activity for younger students, helping them connect with Mary through art. Suitable for prayer tables, displays, or quiet classroom tasks during RE.

au-t-1655194764-mary-mackillop-medal-craft_ver_1.pdf

Mary MacKillop Medal Craft

A creative hands-on craft where students colour, cut, and assemble a medal honouring Saint Mary MacKillop. It reinforces her qualities of kindness, service, and faith. Perfect for Feast Day celebrations or to wear/display as a reminder to live like Mary. Add string to make it wearable!

au-re-10-saint-mary-mackillop-reading-comprehension-_ver_8.pdf

Mary MacKillop Reading Comprehension

This engaging comprehension task explores the life, legacy, and mission of Mary MacKillop. Students read a factual recount of her life, then answer a range of questions including multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blanks, and open-ended reflections. A great literacy-integrated RE resource for Years 4–6.

au-t-1714954342-mary-mackillop-quotes-in-action-mindfulness-colouring_ver_1.pdf

Mary MacKillop Quotes in Action – Mindfulness Colouring

A mindfulness colouring and reflection activity featuring inspiring quotes from Mary MacKillop. Each page invites students to reflect on the meaning of Mary’s words and apply them to their own lives. Ideal for calm moments, social-emotional learning, or values education during the feast week.

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