Gratitude means noticing and being thankful for the good things in your life, like friends, family, or even small joys. It helps you feel happier and reminds you to appreciate what you already have.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Connection to gratitude:
Paul wrote this letter to encourage the early Christians, many of whom were experiencing challenges and difficulties. He reminds them—and us—that gratitude isn’t only about saying thanks when life is easy. Gratitude is a way of trusting God, even in hard times, because we know God is with us. Teaching children this verse helps them see that thankfulness isn’t about ignoring problems, but about remembering the blessings that are always present, big or small. Gratitude becomes a daily practice that shapes their attitude and strengthens their faith.
Reflection questions:
What is something small you can thank God for today?
How can saying “thank you” to God help you when things feel tough?
Who is someone in your life that you can thank today?
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Connection to gratitude:
This psalm is a song of thanksgiving. It reminds us that God’s goodness is constant, and God’s love never ends. Gratitude begins with recognising who God is, not just what He does for us. Children can learn from this verse that gratitude helps us remember God’s love is like an anchor—it never goes away. Even when life changes, God’s love is steady. Giving thanks keeps our hearts connected to this truth and helps us respond with joy and love towards others.
Reflection questions:
What is one way you have felt God’s love today?
Why do you think the psalmist wanted people to keep giving thanks?
How could you show gratitude to God through your actions?
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Connection to gratitude:
Paul teaches here that gratitude isn’t just about our words—it’s about how we live. When we allow Christ’s peace to guide our hearts, we naturally live in ways that bring harmony to our communities. Gratitude is connected to peace because when we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, it’s easier to live with kindness and patience. For children, this verse shows that even everyday actions—sharing with friends, listening to teachers, helping at home—can be ways of showing gratitude to God. Thankfulness shapes the way we act and helps us live peacefully with others.
Reflection questions:
How can being thankful change the way you treat other people?
What is one thing you do every day that you could turn into a way of thanking God?
How might gratitude bring peace into your classroom or family?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Connection to gratitude:
Paul encourages the Philippians not to let worry take over, but to turn to God in prayer. He adds that thanksgiving should always be part of our prayers. Gratitude helps shift our focus from fear and problems to God’s presence and care. For children, this means that when they feel nervous, worried, or upset, they can still find something to thank God for. Gratitude reminds us that God listens, cares, and provides peace. It’s not about pretending worries don’t exist, but about choosing to trust God while saying thank you for what is good..
Reflection questions:
When you feel worried, how could thanking God help you feel calmer?
Can you think of a time when you prayed and felt better afterwards?
What are three things you want to thank God for right now?
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.
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?
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…
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.
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 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.
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.
World Teachers’ Day celebrates the humble work of teachers who guide us with patience and care, reminding us that humility helps both teachers and students to keep learning and growing together.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on 5 October to honour teachers all around the world. It reminds us to be grateful for the hard work, patience, and care teachers give every day to guide their students. Teachers don’t just share knowledge — they walk beside us, encourage us, and help us grow.
World Teachers’ Day also connects beautifully with the value of humility. Teachers show humility by putting their students first, by serving with love, and by continuing to learn themselves. Humility is also needed by students — being willing to listen, to ask for help, and to recognise that we grow best when others guide us.
In celebrating our teachers, we celebrate the humble spirit of teaching and learning — where everyone is open to grow together.
What is something special your teacher has taught you this year?
How does your teacher help guide you when you are stuck?
What do you think makes a good teacher?
How can we say “thank you” to our teachers, not just with words but with our actions?
Teachers show humility when they keep learning too — what do you think teachers might learn from their students?
How can we show humility as students when we are learning from our teachers?
The World Teachers’ Day Prayer begins by acknowledging the First Nations Peoples as the first teachers of the land, honouring the wisdom they have shared over generations. It then invites people to pause and reflect on how teachers help and bring joy. The prayer explains that World Teachers’ Day in Australia is held on the last Friday of October to recognise that teaching is more than a job — it is a vocation that requires dedication, passion, and care.
The Prayers of the Faithful ask God to:
Bless teachers with love and courage,
Support them as they guide students,
Give them joy when students succeed and strength when students struggle,
Inspire them to shape students’ dreams and futures,
Honour teachers past and present,
And let God’s example shine through their work.
The prayer concludes with the Our Father, bringing all intentions together in gratitude for teachers
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.
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.
Say thank you directly when your teacher 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, push in chairs, hand out books) as a way of giving back.
Share a compliment (e.g., “I like how you make learning fun”).
Perform a small act of kindness (smile, say good morning, hold the door open).
Join in a class thank you cheer, chant, or song celebrating your teacher.
Include them in fun class activities (like a quiz or game where students make the questions).
Pray for them during school prayer time.
Make a group gift (class poem, song, or artwork signed by everyone).
October is called the Month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a special prayer that helps us think about Jesus’ life and Mary’s love for God. When we pray the Rosary, we ask Mary to guide us closer to Jesus. This month reminds us to pray often and trust God, just like Mary did.
The Catholic Church dedicates October as the Month of the Rosary. This tradition began because the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on 7 October, a day established to honour Mary and the power of the Rosary in prayer. Throughout October, Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary more often, either individually, with families, or in groups.
The Rosary is a prayer that helps us reflect on important moments (called mysteries) in the life of Jesus and Mary — from His birth, to His ministry, death, and resurrection. By praying the Rosary, we ask Mary to guide us closer to Jesus through her example of faith and humility.
The Month of the Rosary reminds us that prayer can bring peace, guide us in our decisions, and keep us close to God.
The One Decade Rosary is a short way to pray the Rosary. We start by sitting quietly, taking slow breaths, and remembering that God is with us. Then we make the Sign of the Cross and think of our prayer intentions — the people or things we want to pray for.
We pray:
1 Our Father
10 Hail Marys
1 Glory Be
This helps us slow down, listen to God, and feel close to Him. At the end, we say a short prayer thanking God for being with us and asking Him to bless us and help us care for one another.
The Rosary is a special prayer with beads. Each bead helps us remember which prayer to say next. When we pray the Rosary, we think about the most important times in Jesus’ life — like when He was born, when He taught people, when He died, and when He rose again. We also think about Mary, His mother, who always trusted God and guides us to love Jesus more.
The Rosary helps us:
Talk to God and ask for help.
Say thank you for the blessings in our life.
Feel calm and close to God.
Here are the steps in praying the Rosary:
Start: Make the Sign of the Cross.
First Prayers: Say the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and love), and the Glory Be.
Decades: For each decade (there are 5):
Say 1 Our Father.
Say 10 Hail Marys.
Say the Glory Be and the “O My Jesus” prayer.
Finish: At the end, pray the Hail Holy Queen, then make the Sign of the Cross again.
The Rosary is like a gentle walk with Mary and Jesus, helping us grow in faith, hope, and love.
Below are some short prayers that can be used to commemorate the Month of the Rosary and humility in your classrooms.
Leader: Loving God, we gather today as one school family. We remember Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who showed us how to live with kindness, love, and humility. We know You always listen to us, so we bring our prayers to You with trust.
For the Church:
We pray for the Church, that it will always shine Your light, showing people how to live with love, hope, and faith. May it guide us, just as Mary guides us to Jesus.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our school:
We pray for our school community. May our classrooms and playgrounds be places of kindness, care, and respect. Help us to make everyone feel safe and welcome.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For students and teachers:
We pray for all students and teachers. May we try our best in our learning and show patience and care for each other. Like Mary, may we be humble and gentle, and support one another every day.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our families:
We pray for our families. May our homes be full of love, patience, and joy. Help parents, carers, and children to share kindness with one another and grow together in faith.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For those in need:
We pray for people who feel lonely, sad, or left out. May we notice them, reach out with open hearts, and show them the same care that Mary shows to us.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For Mary’s help:
We ask Mary, our Mother, to guide us each day. May she help us live in peace, listen to God, and share love with all those around us.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who have died:
We pray for all people who have died, especially those we love and miss. May they rest in God’s peace and joy forever.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Loving God, thank You for hearing our prayers today. With Mary’s example of love and faith, may we bring peace, kindness, and joy into our school, our families, and our world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
A Prayer for Our School:
Dear God,
Help us to make our school a place where everyone feels welcome, loved, and cared for. Teach us to be kind to one another and to always show respect. Amen.
A Prayer for Friendship:
Loving God,
Thank you for the friends we have. Help us to be good friends to others by sharing, listening, and being kind, just like Mary showed us. Amen.
A Prayer for Our Effort:
Lord,
Help us to always try our best in everything we do. Guide us to work hard and to help others who might need a hand. With Mary’s example, we know we can do great things. Amen.
A Prayer for Kindness:
Dear Jesus,
Teach us to be kind and caring every day. Let us follow Mary’s example of love and help us make our school a place of peace and happiness for all. Amen.
A Prayer for Caring Hearts:
Heavenly Father,
Fill our hearts with love and care for others. Help us to be like Mary, showing compassion and reaching out to those in need. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder school community. Amen.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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.
‘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.
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.
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 is an important ability to practice in everyday life. In a school, following instructions can influence learning and correctly executing skills.
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?
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.”
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.
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!”
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 ...
Host Jason Silva tests our ability to remember despite lots of distractions.
You will need to print this.
Children have to listen to instructions and colour in the corresponding parts of the picture.
Students need to harness their creativity to draw an alien before describing it verbally to others to draw themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?