Kindness Week 1

25 February 2022Lucca P, Whittall ‘22; Photo by Miranda NP, Alex '23

From February 16-23, it was Kindness Week at Brentwood. With the backing of Ms Ramsay, Ms Murray and student-led clubs, events throughout the week including a scavenger hunt, bake sales for the SPCA, a blood drive, karaoke, cupcake decorating, and more, are put on for students to enjoy.

Kindness Week provides excitement and to kick-off things off, Harbalneet N, Rogers ‘21, BEAT (Brentwood Environmental Action Team) Captain, held a scavenger hunt, which was also worth interhouse points. Only one member per house could be nominated to compete. Whittall ‘22’s Jack P met the other house’s participants in McNeill’s cafe to start the contest.

Harbalneet enthused that Kindness Week is “amazing because it allows students to reflect on themselves and be calm and collected throughout the week knowing there are plenty of events to look forward to.”

Also, in McNeill’s Cafe, the “kindness tree” stands like any other, but is filled with notes from branch to branch. To add a note to the tree you had to give a compliment to three people, and then you could write out what you were told. On Friday, there was a collection of dogs to pet and play with outside Crooks, which everyone adored. There was also a cookie bake sale for the SPCA.

Being kind benefits others and, according to the Mental Health Foundation, being kind to others has the potential to boost feelings of confidence, happiness and optimism. Self-kindness is also an important piece of the week: last Friday, students were allowed relaxed prep in the boarding houses.

As the kindness tree continued to bloom, there was a blood drive that was hosted by B-Well and Ms Murray and a fundraiser for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year Walk. On the final day of Kindness Week, it was Pink Shirt Day where everyone got the chance to shine. This day has become a staple in Canada since 2007: a national stand against bullying. Campus was glistening with different shades and tones of pink.

I was reminded that “kindness is one of the most basic, yet one the most important, qualities that anyone can demonstrate” by Mrs Mais who hopes that “the kindness shared around campus will extend in the lives of students beyond this week.” To end this week on a sweet note, there will be cupcake decorating in McNeill’s tonight.

With plenty of smiles and appreciation felt around campus, it is safe to say that the week was a success: a big thank you to all who contributed.

Lucca P, Whittall ‘22

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