Communication and Compassion in Our Primary Learning Community

This term has shown us just how much stronger our Primary Learning Community becomes when communication and compassion are at the centre of all we do. Our children are being taught, supported and encouraged to express themselves with courage, to listen with empathy and to use their words and actions to build one another up. Focusing on these two CalCC Foundations is helping friendships grow, shaping the way we live together and reminding us of the kind of community God calls us to be.

Special weeks like Science Week, Book Week and Anti-Bullying Week gave us opportunities to practise these foundations in different ways—sharing ideas, celebrating creativity, speaking up for one another and choosing kindness. Our buddy program continues to show the power of communication and compassion in action, with Secondary students guiding Primary students, and younger children learning to trust and lean on their buddies. Foundations Day and the Colour Run are also shared experiences that will fill the College with joy and connection, as children motivate one another, celebrate side by side and discover again the gift of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

Over the term, we’ve also had opportunities to show compassion beyond our community. While our Secondary students led Rosie’s outreach, Primary played its part through food donations and taking part in the pyjama day fundraiser. Some of our Year 6 children also took on the Ration Challenge, while classmates supported them with encouragement and fundraising. These experiences reminded us that compassion and communication are always at the heart of generosity.

Our Primary camps have stretched students in new ways—encouraging them to speak up, listen well and help one another when circumstances feel tricky. With more camps still to come this term, and with a group of Primary students preparing to take part in OPTIminds, we know these foundations will continue to help our children grow through challenge and help them to realise the power of working together.

CalCC's 'Each One Has One' wildly important goal has also been central: that every child will know at least one adult and one student they can turn to for help, advice or encouragement. Whether through buddy connections, staff support or simple moments like sharing a picnic lunch on the grass, we are building a culture where communication and compassion create safe, fruitful and lasting relationships.

At the same time, we recognise there are everyday routines and habits we need to keep practising. Walking calmly through the school, lining up respectfully outside classrooms, wearing uniforms with pride, being sunsafe, caring about having a neat appearance and showing respect to both adults and peers do not always come easily. They require daily reminders and encouragement, but they matter. These small choices are part of how communication and compassion take root and then flourish in the life of a community.

The book of Acts describes the early believers as gathering “with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). That is the kind of community we are seeking to build. Not just in Primary, but throughout CalCC—one shaped by communication, compassion and a sincere care for one another. We are so thankful for the way our families walk with us in this, partnering with staff and encouraging their children each day. Together, as the powerful pillars of school and home, we share the privilege of nurturing these foundations—helping every child grow in faith, character and confidence as they become the people God has created them to be, ready to step beyond CalCC's gates into lives of purpose and success.