Mindfulness sparks kindness at Northeastern Elementary School

A well-established mindfulness program at Northeastern Elementary School is helping students make connections between care for self and care for the community.

Led by library clerk Tammy Richard, the mindfulness program was designed to support students with developing emotional awareness and self-regulation.

The program also complements Dare to Care, a bullying prevention program offered in all Rainbow Schools from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Dare to Care engages the entire school community in contributing to warm and welcoming school environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Through various calming and reflection activities such as yoga, journaling, storytelling, positive mantras and social skills development, students participating in the mindfulness program have been encouraged to care for their own well-being.

“Originally offered as a lunchtime activity, the mindfulness program quickly gained greater meaning to the school community,” said Tammy Richard. “Students soon discovered that mindfulness goes beyond self-care – it’s also about recognizing opportunities to extend empathy and kindness towards others.”

“Practising mindfulness to promote kindness deepens compassion for both oneself and for others,” said Principal Jodie Pakkala. “This approach promotes optimism, boosts positive emotions, builds emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and encourages caring actions in everyday life.”

Northeastern Elementary School’s care box project is a prime example.

During the last school year, Tammy Richard and teacher Nicki Fortin, along with the helping hands of more than 100 students from the mindfulness program, co-ordinated the distribution of 78 care boxes to clients of the Elgin Street Mission and the Sudbury Women’s Centre.

Inspired by the profound impact of this act of generosity, students expressed a desire to expand the project this year with increased involvement from the school community.

As the school year kicked off, donations began pouring in. Some families contributed multiple boxes of items for the care packages, and some students used their piggy bank money to purchase supplies. A substantial donation of children’s items by local photographer Jamie-Lee Thibert further enhanced the contents of each box.

To ensure broad participation in the project, Tammy Richard, with help from staff, incorporated class-based activities across multiple grades.

Students in Grades 1 to 3 decorated wrapping paper to add a personal, heartfelt touch to each box, while students in Grades 2 to 4 made calming bottles and stress balls to offer comfort and care to recipients.

Grades 5 to 8 students dedicated countless lunch breaks to learning how to knit – working collaboratively to handmake scarves and headbands for each package.

“Students were thrilled to use their creativity for such a worthy cause,” said teacher Nicki Fortin. “This commitment reflected their willingness to give their own time in service of others.”

Through their collective efforts, staff and students successfully donated 100 care boxes to the Garson Food Bank to support the local community.

“It’s been rewarding to watch this program evolve,” said Tammy Richard. “This initiative was truly a labour of love and a testament to teamwork. This mindfulness activity has grown into a meaningful tradition of kindness and compassion.”

“What began as a small, intentional act has grown into a powerful vehicle for kindness and compassion,” said Principal Jodie Pakkala. “Students recognized that selfless giving fosters joy, connection and purpose.”

She added: “This meaningful endeavour reflects our school’s core values. I am proud of our staff and students for their commitment to the community. Everyone benefits when we spread more kindness.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.