Building a Culture of Kindness: How CISVA Schools Inspire Everyday Compassion
The Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) foster more than academic achievement, they cultivate communities of caring, respect, and genuine kindness. For families, students, and educators alike, one of the greatest strengths of a Catholic school is its commitment to shaping strong character through daily acts of compassion.
What Does a “Culture of Kindness” Look Like?
Within CISVA schools, kindness is not just a value printed on walls or featured in monthly virtue campaigns; it is woven into every part of school life.
Welcoming Arrivals: Students are greeted warmly each morning, fostering a sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.
Buddy Programs: Older students are paired with younger ones as “buddies,” helping new students feel at home and developing leadership skills rooted in empathy.
Conflict Resolution: Staff and students approach disagreements through dialogue, mediation, and forgiveness, modelled on the teachings of Jesus.
Service Projects: Regular outreach to local shelters, food banks, and seniors' homes provides structured opportunities for students to serve others and experience the joy of giving.
How Kindness Shapes Learning
A focus on kindness creates an environment where each student can thrive:
Safe to Take Risks: Students are encouraged to try new things, make mistakes, and grow, without fear of ridicule.
Inclusive Classrooms: Teachers intentionally foster teamwork and celebrate diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Faith in Action: Classes reflect on Gospel stories of compassion, linking scripture to how students treat each other in daily life.
Real Examples from CISVA Schools
St. Matthew’s Elementary: Hosts an annual “Random Acts of Kindness Week” where students practice and track small acts of goodwill for peers and staff.
Our Lady of Mercy School: Created a “Kindness Wall” where students publicly recognize one another’s good deeds, reinforcing a positive school culture.
Corpus Christi School: Runs lunchtime “Friendship Tables,” making sure every child has someone to sit with and talk to.
Why This Matters
A culture of kindness nurtures the whole child, body, mind, and spirit. Students not only learn better in a loving environment, but they begin to see themselves as part of a broader community called to care for others. These foundational experiences echo through family life and out into the wider world, living out Jesus’ command: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
Extending Kindness Beyond School
Parents and guardians can join in the mission by:
Encouraging children to share daily acts of kindness at home and in their neighborhood.
Participating in school service projects as a family.
Discussing the meaning of compassion over family meals, grounded in both Gospel values and real-life examples.
In CISVA schools, kindness isn’t just taught, it’s caught, shaping hearts for a lifetime.