At Southern Cross Catholic College, kindness is more than just a value spoken about in the classroom, it’s something that is lived out each day by students, teachers and families.

Thanks to a local initiative led by parent and small business owner, Danielle Barry, that message of kindness is now being worn proudly across the school community.

Danielle, founder of local clothing brand, Chase Clothing & Co, created the Teaching Kindness initiative as a simple but powerful way to encourage kindness within the school community and beyond.

“I wanted to create something that reminded both kids and adults that kindness is something we can choose every day. If a shirt starts a conversation or simply reminds someone to be kind, then that’s a pretty special thing,” Danielle said.

The initiative has been embraced by teachers and students at Southern Cross Catholic College, particularly within the Prep and early years classrooms where students are learning the foundations of friendship, inclusion and respect.

Teachers were excited to support the Teaching Kindness, with the project also involving students and staff in a fun photoshoot, with many of the teachers who have taught Danielle’s children taking part.

Teachers say the initiative aligns closely with the values they aim to model in the classroom every day.

“Teachers play such an important role in modelling kindness for students,” Prep Teacher, Emily Bakss shared. “It’s been wonderful to be a part of something that celebrates and encourages that message.”

The initiative also supports the wider community, with a portion of the proceeds from the latest shirts being donated to Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland.

For Danielle, collaborating with the college community has been incredibly meaningful.

“When your children are part of the school, it makes it even more special to contribute something positive to that environment,” she said.

Through the support of teachers and students at Southern Cross Catholic College, The Teaching Kindness initiative is helping remind young people that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.

If you would like to support the Teaching Kindness initiative and help spread this important message, shirts are available to purchase online.
Visit to chaseclothingandco.com to find out more