This week, The Knox School joins schools across Australia in recognising Bullying No Way Week 2026, a national initiative that encourages young people to create safer, kinder and more inclusive communities. This year’s theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, highlights the powerful difference everyday actions can make in helping others feel valued, respected and supported.
Throughout the week, students are exploring a range of messages centred on kindness, empathy, respect and positive online behaviour. While the conversations are taking many forms, one activity in particular has left a lasting impression.
As part of our Bullying No Way program, today our Year 6 students were each given a fresh, clean sheet of paper and asked to imagine that it represented a person. They began by gently scrunching the paper, creating a few small creases. Then more. And more. Before long, the once-smooth page was covered in folds, wrinkles and crumples.
Together, students reflected on what those creases might represent: a hurtful comment, exclusion from a group, an unkind message, an embarrassing moment or a careless action.
They were then asked to smooth the paper out again and apologise to it.
Of course, despite their best efforts, the creases remained.
The simple demonstration sparked thoughtful discussion. Students quickly recognised that while apologies matter and can help repair relationships, our words and actions can sometimes leave marks that don’t simply disappear.
The conversation then shifted to an important question:
What creases might we be creating in other people’s lives?
Students were encouraged to reflect on their own behaviour, consider the impact of their choices and think about the role they play in creating a community where everyone feels they belong. They also explored what it means to take responsibility when mistakes are made and how small acts of kindness can help smooth things out.
The activity led to honest, mature and insightful reflections, providing a wonderful reminder that kindness is not just about what we say. It’s about the impact we leave behind.
A simple piece of paper. A powerful message. And a timely reminder that every interaction leaves a mark. Before we add another crease to someone’s day, we have the opportunity to choose kindness instead.
