St. Kilian's Mindful Moment - T3W7

T3W6 - Appreciation

Appreciation is noticing and valuing the good in people, actions, or things around us. For students, it means saying “thank you,” recognising others’ efforts, and showing kindness when someone helps or achieves something. It’s about paying attention to what makes people and situations special, and letting them know they are important.

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.

Gratitude Centering

Begin by finding a comfortable position.
You may sit or stand tall, or lie down if that feels right. Let your hands rest gently — in your lap, at your sides, or over your heart.

Take a deep breath in…
And slowly exhale.
Do this again — in through the nose… and out through the mouth.
One more time, slow and steady.

Now gently bring your attention inward.
Let the outside world soften for just a moment.

Bring to mind one thing — just one — that you’re grateful for today.
It could be a person, a place, a moment, or even a feeling.

Let it rise naturally.
There’s no need to search — simply notice what comes.

As it arrives, pause with it.
Notice how it makes you feel in your body — warmth, peace, maybe even a smile.

Say quietly to yourself: “Thank you.”
Let those words echo gently inside.

Let the gratitude you feel fill you with a gentle confidence, a lightness, and a grounded sense of joy.

When you're ready, bring your awareness slowly back to the room.

Wiggle your fingers or toes.
Take one final deep breath.

And as you exhale, let a soft smile come to your face.
Carry this feeling with you — the gratitude — as you move into whatever comes next.

Benedictus by 2CELLOS

Benedictus is a peaceful and emotional piece of music performed by 2CELLOS.

The music starts softly and slowly builds, creating a feeling of calm, hope, and reflection. It's often used in moments of quiet thinking, meditation, or prayer because it helps people feel peaceful and connected.

It’s a beautiful reminder to pause, be grateful, and notice the special moments in our lives.

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 appreciation?

The Bible tells us to notice the good in others and encourage them. It says, “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). That means we should look for chances to say kind words, celebrate others’ efforts, and show them they are important. When we do this, we help our friends, classmates, and family feel valued and loved.

Andy gives away his toys

Toy Story 3

Andy is about to leave for college. He has had his toys since he was little, and they have always been a big part of his life. Instead of leaving them in the attic, Andy decides to give them to a young girl named Bonnie who will play with them and love them. Before handing them over, Andy takes the time to talk about each toy, showing how much he values them and all the memories they shared.

Reflection Questions

How did Andy show appreciation for his toys before giving them away?
Why do you think Andy wanted his toys to go to someone who would love them?
How do you think the toys felt when Andy spoke kindly about them?
What is something in your own life you are thankful for, even if you don’t use it anymore?
How can we show appreciation for people, not just things, in our classroom or family?

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.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week! - Sep 1-5

This week reminds us to notice all the ways our teacher aides make a difference every day, and to show our gratitude through kind words, cards, prayers, and small celebrations.

What is a Teacher Aide?

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week is a special time to say thank you to the teacher aides (also called learning support officers or LSOs) who help in our school. Teacher aides work with teachers to support students in their learning, both in the classroom and around the school. They help with small groups, individual support, activities, and making sure everyone feels safe and included.

Teacher aides are important because they help every student do their best, and they make our school a kinder, more caring place.

This week is a chance to say thank you for all that they do! You might:

Write them a card or draw them a picture
Say “thank you” and tell them what you appreciate
Help out in the classroom to show kindness back
Join in our school prayer for teacher aides

Let’s make sure our teacher aides know how much they mean to us!

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week Prayer

This prayer is a special way for our school community to give thanks for our teacher aides (LSOs/ESOs). It reminds us that they play an important role in helping, supporting, and encouraging students every day. Through scripture, reflection, and prayer, we show our appreciation for their kindness, patience, and dedication, and ask God to continue to bless them in their work

Access here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFszsOOy_U/a2azEp9KWEhCbEdy0jZEhA/edit?utm_content=DAFszsOOy_U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Reflecton Questions

What is one way a teacher aide has helped you in your learning or your day at school?
How do teacher aides make our classroom a better place?
What is something kind or caring you have noticed a teacher aide doing?
How do you feel when a teacher aide helps you or your class?
What is one way you can show appreciation to a teacher aide this week?

Actions to Show Appreciation

Say thank you directly when a teacher aide helps you.
Make a card or draw a picture showing what you like about them.
Write a kind message on a class poster or bunting flag.
Help out in class (tidy up, hand out books) as a way of giving back.
Share a compliment (e.g., “I like how you always help us with reading”).
Perform a small act of kindness (hold the door open, offer them a seat, smile).
Join in a class thank you cheer or chant celebrating teacher aides.
Include them in games or activities in the yard if they are nearby.
Pray for them during school prayer time.
Make a group gift (class poem, song, or artwork signed by everyone).

au-t-10002277-teachers-aide-editable-thank-you-cards_ver_3.docx

Editable Thank You Cards

Printable cards students can personalise. Each card includes prompts like “Thank you for the hard work you do” and spaces for students to write specific messages (e.g., “With your help I learned to…”). These allow students to reflect on what their aide has done for them and express appreciation in their own words.

au-t-10002278-teachers-aide-certificates-of-app_ver_2.docx

Certificates of Appreciation

Customisable certificates such as “Certificate of Awesomeness” or “Superstar Award.” These can be presented to aides by classes, small groups, or the school at a special gathering to formally acknowledge their contributions.

au-t-10002276-snapshot-of-my-teachers-aide-activity_ver_1.pdf

Snapshot of My Teacher Aide Activity

A worksheet where students fill in fun prompts such as “My teacher aide’s name is…,” “My teacher aide is…” and “Thank you, [name]!” This activity encourages younger students to think about what makes their aide special and record their appreciation in a personal way.

au-t-1710059852-teacher-aide-appreciation-poster_ver_2.pdf

Teacher Aide Appreciation Poster

A decorative poster with the message “It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.” It can be displayed in classrooms, hallways, or at assemblies during Teacher Aide Appreciation Week to publicly celebrate the important role of aides!

PBIS

PBIS Focus - 'Moving Safely'

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

Reflection Questions

Respectful:

How can we show respect to others while moving inside or outside the classroom?
What does respectful movement look and sound like?
How does being respectful help everyone focus and feel calm during transitions?

Responsible:

What is your responsibility when you hear “Ready in Five”?
How can you make sure you are following the teacher’s instructions during movement time?
What should you do if you notice a friend is not sure where to go or what to do?

Safe:

How can we keep ourselves and others safe when we move as a class?
What could happen if we don’t follow the movement routine properly?
How can you use your body and space to make sure everyone stays safe?

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.

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.

Following Instructions

What is following directions?

Following instructions is an important ability to practice in everyday life. In a school, following instructions can influence learning and correctly executing skills.

Reflection Questions for after activities

After playing one of the games below during Circle Time, use some or all of these questions to reflect on following instruction during the game and how it relates to following instruction during class time.

Why is it important to follow directions?
What does following directions look like?
What happens if I didn't follow the instructions?
What happens if our class doesn't follow directions?
How can following instruction in this game relate to following instruction during class time?
Where else may I need to use these skills?

Ordering Objects

Materials: Red, Blue, Yellow and Green Crayon

Line up the crayons on the table in front of the student.

Ask them to manipulate the crayons based on your directions.

For one step directions, say simple things like “Move the blue crayon.” “Touch the red crayon.” or ask them to make shapes such as “Make a T using the crayons.”

For two step directions, you might say “Move the green crayon to the front.” “Move the yellow crayon to second place.” “Move the crayon in first place to third place.”

You can get as advanced as you want, saying things like “Move the green crayon to third place and the last crayon to first place.”

Mother, May I?

Here is a game to teach your students how to follow directions and how to ask for permission. Stand at one end of the room and your kids at the other. They take turns asking you questions, such as, “Mother, may I take two leap from jumps?” or “Mother, may I take two giant steps?”

For instance, if your child says, “Mother, may I take three bunny hops toward you?” you can respond with, “No, but you can take 2 bunny hops toward me.” If your child fails to listen, then he can take a few steps back instead. This will help your children learn to ask questions and actually listen to the responses. Whoever reaches your end of the room first, wins.

Instruction Chain

Hand out one 'Instruction Icon' (below) per student. (If doing less, they need to stay in order or it won't work e.g., run in place must be first, spin around must be second, etc.)

The chain doesn't work if people aren't following the instructions.

LEADER BEGINS: Run in place.

After someone runs in place, stand up and jump three times.

After someone jumps three times, stand up and spin around twice.

After someone spins around twice, stand up and stomp your feet.

After someone stomps their feet, stand up and shout your name.

After someone shouts their name, stand up and flap like a chicken.

After someone flaps like a chicken, stand up and bark like a dog.

After someone barks like a dog, stand up and whip your hair back and forth.

After someone whips their hair back and forth, stand up and clap your hands.

After someone claps their hands, stand up and take a bow.

After someone takes a bow, stand up and say “THE END!”

Kid-E-Cats | Following Instructions

They brought new beds, which Dad went to assemble, and the model kit, a pirate ship, which the kittens sealed with.

But, by a coincidence, they lost the instruction! And when they asked Dad to help, it turned out that he also couldn’t compile the beds ...

Following Directions | Brain Games

Host Jason Silva tests our ability to remember despite lots of distractions.

t-s-2547196-listen-and-colour-three-key-words-activity-sheet-english_ver_3.pdf

Listen and Colour 3 Key Words Worksheet

You will need to print this.
Children have to listen to instructions and colour in the corresponding parts of the picture.

au-l-2550104-alien-listen-and-draw_ver_2.pdf

Alien Listen and Draw

Students need to harness their creativity to draw an alien before describing it verbally to others to draw themselves.

Child Safeguarding

At our school, every student has the right to feel safe, respected, included, and supported. You should always be treated fairly and listened to, and if something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s bullying, feeling unsafe, or being worried—you can and should speak up to a trusted adult, because it’s your right. We all share the responsibility to make school a safe place by being kind, respectful, honest, and following school rules. Child Safety Officers and teachers are here to listen and help, and together we can make sure school is a place where everyone belongs and can learn and grow.

1. Your Rights Poster

Every student has the right to feel safe, accepted, valued, heard, and supported.
You can talk to a trusted person if you’re being bullied, feel scared, worried, or sad.
The school has Child Safeguarding Officers trained to listen and help.
The whole community works together to keep children safe and ensure their voices are heard.

2. Speak Up Poster (CCYP)

The Child Safe Standards were created to make sure children are protected in schools, sports clubs, and other organisations.
Adults must be carefully chosen, listen to what makes you feel safe, and act if something is wrong.
You have the right to be safe everywhere—and if you ever don’t feel safe, you can and should tell an adult, and they must help you.

3. Child-Friendly Code of Conduct Poster

You have the right to be safe, respected, treated fairly, and included at school.
You also have responsibilities: be kind, follow rules, be honest, include others, and help make school safe for everyone.
Bullying, harassment, and ignoring teachers’ directions are not okay.
If you feel unsafe, talk to a trusted adult (teacher, parent, carer, or Child Safety Officer).
Consequences happen if rules are broken, but the aim is to make school safe for all.

About Safety and Rights

What does it mean to feel safe at school? Can you share a time you felt safe?
Why do you think it’s important that everyone has the right to be heard and believed?
Who are the trusted adults you could talk to if something didn’t feel right?

About Responsibilities

How can students help make school a kind and respectful place?
What’s one small action you could take to include someone who feels left out?
Why do rules exist, and how do they keep us safe?

About Speaking Up

Sometimes it’s hard to tell an adult if you’re worried. What might make it easier?
Why do you think the posters say “Speak up—it’s your right”?
How can we support each other if a friend is scared to speak up?

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