b kinder school – inspired by kindness, empowered by students.
Key Goals of the b kinder school program
Leadership through Kindness
Empowerment and Ownership
Collaboration and Connection
As part of the program, student leaders will roll out five kindness initiatives
The five kindness initiatives are designed to give student leaders meaningful opportunities to put kindness into action throughout the school year. Each initiative encourages students to lead with purpose, strengthen connections within their school community, and create a culture where kindness, inclusion and belonging are part of everyday life. Together, these initiatives empower students to make a positive and lasting impact both within their school and local community.
Explore each initiative below:
Leading b kinder day at your school
b kinder day is an annual event held on the 22nd of June (or another date that suits your school). We invite schools, workplaces and organisations across Australia to join us in spreading kindness.
Student leadership teams are encouraged to explore what kindness means within their school community and design a whole-school event that celebrates kindness and encourages every student to get involved. One of the main activities is for every student to write a kind message in one of Billie's beautifully illustrated b kinder day greeting cards and send it to someone they care about.
Resources to support this initiative are included in your b kinder school package.
Find a safe space within the school
Student leaders will help create a safe and welcoming space where students can go if they are feeling lonely, worried, or simply need someone to connect with.
This could include Billie's Bench, a friendship bench, a quiet corner in the library, or a peaceful area within the school gardens.
Student leaders can actively support the space by checking in with students, offering a friendly conversation and inviting them to join games, activities or lunch groups. These simple acts of kindness help build connection, inclusion and belonging throughout the school.
Recognise kindness in others
Recognising and celebrating kindness is one of the most effective ways to encourage positive behaviour across the school community.
When student leaders notice someone demonstrating kindness, they may acknowledge their actions with an I am kind sticker or present a kindness certificate during a school assembly.
How kindness is recognised is entirely up to the student leadership team, allowing them to develop meaningful and creative ways to celebrate positive actions throughout their school.
I am kind stickers are included in your b kinder school package.
Commit to community service
While many schools already participate in community service, the b kinder school program encourages student leadership teams to take the lead in deciding how their school can make a positive difference.
This could include organising a local park clean-up, baking treats for people in need, supporting residents in aged care, fundraising for a charity or developing another project that reflects the needs of their local community.
By planning and leading these initiatives, students strengthen their leadership skills while experiencing the positive impact that acts of kindness can have beyond the school gates.
Connecting with other student leaders
As part of the b kinder school program, student leadership teams will participate in two online and/or in-person leadership workshops throughout the year.
Students will also be invited to attend the annual b kinder summit, where they will connect with student leaders from other b kinder schools across Australia. With approximately ten participating schools at each event, students have the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, learn from one another and be inspired by other young leaders.
b kinder workshops
As part of the annual subscription, up to 25 of students from each b kinder school will be able to attend 2 of our online or in-person workshops! See below for more information.
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Throughout the year your student leaders will be invited to choose 2 of the following workshops:
The Neuroscience of Kindness with Dr Mark Williams - Dr Mark Williams is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, internationally recognised author, and leading expert in social neuroscience, with more than 25 years of experience researching human behaviour and the brain. In this workshop, students will discover how the brain influences kindness, empathy, leadership, and connection, explore the science behind positive relationships and collaboration, reflect on their own strengths and potential, and gain practical strategies to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and connected school community.
Leading with Compassion with Catherine Kolomyjec - Catherine Kolomyjec is a trauma-specialist social worker and one of Stanford University's Global Ambassadors for Applied Compassion. In this workshop, students will explore the physiological and psychological benefits of kindness, gain an understanding of what it means to lead with compassion and why compassionate leadership matters, identify their individual strengths and leadership qualities, and learn practical strategies for building and sustaining a culture of kindness within their school community.
Celebrating Difference and Modelling Kindness with Matthew Smith - Matthew Smith is a Principal with extensive expertise in trauma-informed practice, inclusive education, and community engagement. In this workshop, students will explore the importance of diversity, inclusion, and respecting differences while developing the skills to become positive bystanders and compassionate leaders. Through engaging case studies and practical activities, they will build empathy, strengthen their understanding of ethical leadership, and identify meaningful ways to promote kindness, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging within their school community.
b kinder summit
Each year up to 10 student leaders from each b kinder school are invited to attend our annual b kinder summit.
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Created exclusively for b kinder school student leaders and facilitated by illuminate Education Australia, the annual b kinder summit is designed to spark ideas, ignite passion, and inspire meaningful action.
Student leaders engage in interactive and collaborative learning. The summit incorporates design thinking, entrepreneurship, and social ethics, encouraging leadership with kindness and compassion. Participants leave feeling inspired, equipped, and confident to lead positive change within their schools, make a lasting impact in their communities, and become ambassadors for a kinder world.
Upon completion and submission of the application form below, lead teachers will receive a password/log-in via email to access our online teacher portal. Here they can find detailed information and resources for student leadership teams regarding the above initiatives.
If your school would like to be considered for a b kinder school sponsorship from one of our workplace supporters, please email us at: info@bkinderfoundation.org.
Please find our short 2 minute NSW b kinder summit video and our 1 minute b kinder day animation below.
