The Character Initiative is a unique program created by Kilvington Grammar that encompasses a range of activities to help our students from ELC to Year 12 develop character traits that will help them thrive at school, out-of-school and into the future.

WHY TEACH CHARACTER?

Common sense tells us that when we are resilient, courageous, curious, persistent, diligent and empathic, life is a more rewarding and enjoyable experience. Considerable scientific research now confirms this, and shows that building character strengths in children enables them to function and perform at a high level throughout their life. Positive psychology studies show that identifying and using character strengths provides a wide range of benefits to students including improved school performance and achievement, enhanced interpersonal and social skills, and greater enjoyment and engagement in school.

SEMESTER TRAIT: WHOLE SCHOOL

Each year, a character trait is carefully selected as a point of focus for each term or semester. Past traits have included Gratitude, Grit, Courage and Curiosity. These are applied across a wide range of activities throughout the school year.

GEM: JUNIOR SCHOOL

GEM time is a take from the Resilience Project, which is consistently seen across each classroom in the Junior School each day. GEM usually takes place after recess and lunch.

It is a reflection time for students to focus on three main pillars of positive thinking: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness.

Activities may include breathing exercises, meditation, mindful colouring, yoga, gratitude journaling, yarning circles, personal reflections, or role-play scenarios. It can also be used to focus on particular events or issues that have arisen between students or it can be linked in with our classroom values or whole school values.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT: YEARS 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to school and provides us with evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience. These strategies include empathy, gratitude, mindfulness and emotional literacy.

They empower children by providing them with the skills they need to become resilient and confident adults.

Our School planners are structured with Resilience Project material to support our students.

ASSEMBLY OF NOTABLES: YEAR 7

Each year, Year 7 culminates with students preparing for the Assembly of Notables. This involves selecting a notable historical figure - usually of great character - to bring to life at a special assembly attended by students, staff and parents. Each student is allocated a mentor to provide support and guidance.

BE YOUR BEST SELF CHARACTER & CONNECTION DAYS: YEAR 9

Being our best self takes commitment, resilience and the ability to build a growth mindset. During our Character and Connection days students learn that their most basic abilities can be developed and enhanced through a combination of of consistent effort, feedback, appropriate study techniques and hard work. External organisations such as Man Cave and Flourish are welcomed into the School to help students to build confidence, emotional intelligence and empower them to become best versions of themselves.