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Imagine what CWAA would be like if we only used kind words, acted with kindness all the time, asked for forgiveness when we hurt others, included others, acted humbly and we all lived by the Golden Rule! This week at CWAA we will be focusing on the theme: “Choose Kindness”! In our past Anti-Bullying Awareness Weeks, we have focused on bullying behaviours for the purpose of creating awareness and knowledge. This year, however, we would like to focus on building a positive culture - based on kind words and actions. 
Why did we choose a kindness theme? Kindness can help lift others up when they‘re down. No-one ever knows the struggles people are going through inside. Kindness will never come back to hurt you! Kindness is good for your health (releases oxytocin which lowers blood pressure and helps you feel happy and confident). Kindness reduces bullying and disruptive behaviour and increases a sense of safety and security at school. Kindness creates positive relationships. Finally, kindness improves student participation, confidence, leadership and increases social and emotional wellbeing.
This morning we launched our “Choose Kindness” challenge in our Kick-off Assembly. We ended with students and staff, wearing the colored Odd Socks, meeting together in cross-grade pairings (5/12, 2/6/11, 1/10, K/9, 4/8, 3/7) to receive their yellow bracelets (yellow represents  happiness, positivity, honor, & joy), “Ripple Kindness Cards” (paying kindness forward), picking specific acts of kindness from the list of “100 Acts of Kindness”, and praying with one another. Tuesday we will dress in yellow and enjoy a Chapel with the focus on “High Places”. Wednesday we will enjoy cross-grade devotions and Crazy Hair Day. Thursday, we will wear Pink shirts (pink represents kindness, love, playfulness, tenderness), enjoy cross-grade devotions, and a Poetry Competition. Friday we will wrap-up our week with a Kindness Commitment. 
As we focus on this week of kindness, may we all commit to the words found in 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you‘ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.” (Message Bible)
Lara Melashenko

Over the years I have come across many complex issues, all of which can be traced quickly back to the truth taught here in James 3:7-9  " People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,  but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.”  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 
 
The word of God is so poignant in describing the reality of our tongues when not surrendered fully and daily to God.   
 
As followers of Jesus we are taught in Colossians 3:12-15 how we should use our tongue.
 
"Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."
 
May we together focus on Jesus and His living word, and as we do He will transform us from within and as such what will come out of our tongues will be BLESSINGS, rather than cursings. 
 
God bless and keep each of us as we ask God to align our hearts to His.   
Your brother in Jesus,
Paul Antunes