Imagine more Kindness in Schools

An evening for parents, teachers, and anyone concerned about bringing more kindness into schools and other learning environments.

In the first half of the evening, Masha Kastner has generously agreed to be interviewed about her experience as the mother of a 13-year-old daughter, Helena, who took her own life in January 2024. Heli often asked: “Where is all this pressure coming from?” She deeply felt the weight of stress, competition, and unkindness in school, and dreamed of a world where children were valued, supported, and free to be themselves. Masha and her partner David live in Trowbridge and in 2025 set up a new charity, Kindwaves, to take forward their vision of a world in which kindness comes first.

In the second half, Melody Hunter-Evans will facilitate a discussion about the issues that have been raised, and about how we can all imagine – and bring about – more kindness in schools.

Kindwaves is a new charity, advocating for cultures of kindness in all learning environments, to address the ongoing crisis of wellbeing for children, young people, families and educators. Kindwaves supports schools towards improving wellbeing, engagement, behaviour and staff sustainability by strengthening the relational systems that underpin learning. Using Participatory Action Research and consultancy, Kindwaves works collaboratively, enabling schools to identify and address cultural challenges with their community, creating voice and agency: www.kindwaves.org.uk

Melody Hunter-Evans is the Children and Young Person’s Officer for Frome Town Council, who are supporting this event.

Masha will be interviewed by Martha Oster, an artist and educator who is deputy Chair of Governors at Vallis School and a board member of The Good Heart.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided in the break