Deputy Principal, Term 2 Week 4 2026

Year 9 Service in Action: Small Acts, Lasting Impact

This term, our Year 9 students have been living out the powerful idea that one small, thoughtful gesture can make someone else’s day. Through their involvement in the AMPed program, they have embraced service not simply as an activity, but as a mindset—one grounded in empathy, generosity, and connection.

Across Weeks 2 and 3, students worked with dedication and care to prepare over 100 three-course meals for the Mary Magdalen Centre Saturday Night Dinners and the Salvation Army, cards and games at Resthaven, Hutt Street Centre and Westcare. This was more than cooking; it was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others in our community. In doing so, students actively embodied Pulteney’s values, building Positive Relationships through service to others, and expressing their Authentic Self by showing compassion, initiative, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to accompany our Year 9 students to Resthaven, and it was wonderful to witness the genuine joy shared between the students and community members. Whether playing Uno, matching games, or simply chatting together, there was an instant connection and warmth in the room. The smiles, laughter, and easy companionship that developed so quickly highlighted the value of these intergenerational experiences and the positive impact that small moments of connection can have on everyone involved.

Their efforts reflect a broader truth: little acts of kindness cost almost nothing, yet can have a profound impact. Whether it is offering time, sharing a skill, or simply showing kindness, these moments ripple outward benefiting both the receiver and the giver.

As a community, we are reminded that goodness in others—and what they contribute—can inspire us all. When someone shares their gifts, it creates a powerful “trickle-down” effect, encouraging others to do the same.

To build on this spirit of service, we invite families to take part in a simple kindness challenge this week. See how many of these small acts you can check off:

• Say “good morning” to those around you
• Thank someone sincerely and specifically
• Write a note of appreciation
• Bring a coffee or bake to share
• Offer help to someone who needs it
• Take the time to truly listen

These gestures may seem small, but they have the power to brighten someone’s day in ways we may never fully see. As we often remind our students, we never truly know what someone else is going through—so kindness matters.

Thank you to our Year 9 students for the care, energy, and heart they have brought to this program. Their actions are a powerful reminder that service is not defined by scale, but by intention—and that living with authenticity and building positive relationships can truly change lives.

Deb Dalwood
Deputy Principal