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Booking Conditions
No applications for this program will be accepted after all vacancies have been filled. Unsuccessful applicants will have any monies paid refunded in full. Cancellation made prior to the prior to 14 days from the event date will incur a 25% service charge per applicant. This program will be payable for in full for cancellations made within 14 days of the event or for failure to attend the program. Participants will be sent a Zoom link which is only to be used by the registered person, if any other unregistered person views the webinar without registration, they will be liable for the full registration plus an additional 25% administration fee. No attendance certificates will be issued until all monies are paid in full. Any cancellation must be made in writing and emailed to admin@criticalagendas.com.au In the event of insufficient applications this program will not proceed, and registration monies paid will be fully refunded. Critical Agendas Pty Ltd will not be accepting liability for any other associated costs. Critical Agendas Pty Ltd reserves the right to vary the advertised program prior to commencement.
Strengthening our Student’s Mental Well-Being
8.30am – 9.00am – Conference Registration/Log in.
9.00am – 10.15am – Kristy Elliot – “Un-Packing the Key Character Strengths for Student Well- Being”.
Character strengths are a robustly researched area in the field of positive psychology where they have been shown to greatly impact the wellbeing of students and teachers. Character strengths are positive traits that are reflected in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In this session, we will follow a three-part process to uncovering the world of character strengths – aware, explore, apply. Participants will be introduced to the Values in Action Character Strengths and explore some of the research derived from educational settings. Through the exploration of practical tools and activities, participants will develop an awareness of their own unique strengths they can use to buffer against stress and care for their wellbeing at work.
10.15am – 10.40am – Morning Tea.
10.40am – 12.00noon – Michelle Falzon – “Harnessing Positive Psychology to improve all Education Outcomes”.
Michelle Falzon, based in Melbourne, Australia, is a distinguished Positive Psychology Coach and the proud owner of Positive Wellbeing Education. With profound expertise in coaching psychology, positive psychology, positive organisational psychology, and post-traumatic growth, Michelle is a leading authority in the field of optimising human potential. As an advocate for personal and professional flourishing, Michelle is dedicated to helping individuals and organisations thrive and succeed in both life and business.
In this enlightening presentation, Michelle will guide you through the transformative power of positive psychology in the realm of education. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge and experience, she will explore how the principles of positive psychology can be harnessed to enhance education outcomes, providing participants with a unique opportunity to discover evidence-based approaches that promote resilience, optimism, and personal growth within the context of education. Attendees will leave with practical tools and strategies to foster a positive learning environment and support the mental well-being of students and educators alike. Join us as Michelle shares insights, strategies, and real-world examples, offering a roadmap to elevate educational experiences and outcomes for all.
12.00pm – 12.10 Mini Break
12.10pm – 1.20pm – Dave Vinegrad – “Anxiety Informed Classrooms” – What it is and what you can do as a Teacher.
There’s never been a clearer scientific picture of the ways damaging experiences and intense, chronic stress can hurt a child’s ability to learn in school. But for many schools, the picture of what an anxiety sensitive school is like in practice is still developing. Why do Coles and Woolies supermarkets run a ‘quiet hour’ for their shoppers and how can we bring this thinking into our classrooms?
Students who experience anxiety perform worse academically and have reduced social and emotional outcomes than others. The latest research indicates that almost 1 in 4 Australian students have a diagnosable anxiety. That’s a lot!
In the last decade our knowledge about neurodiversity and adverse childhood experiences has grown driven by the emerging research, devastating natural and manmade disasters, and school wellbeing debates. We also know that band aid solutions for anxiety really doesn’t get to the root causes whether the disorder is generalised or specific.
This workshop may be a good starting point for some schools to begin the journey of understanding anxiety and translating the research into what a psychologically safe classroom and playground needs to have and provide.
This workshop will explore and investigate the following topics and themes:
- Understanding stress, anxiety and trauma
- 9 Key principles to tackle trauma and anxiety and to establish psychologically safe classrooms and playgrounds
- Exploration of the C.P.R model and the S.P.C approach to reduce anxiety across the school
- Establish a Zen Den in your classroom and a Sensory Space for the whole school community.
1.20pm – 2.00pm – Lunch.
2.00pm – 3.20pm – Sally Learey – “The Power of the Brain to support Student’s Mental Health”.
Brain breaks (or ‘mental breaks’) allow students to revitalize their minds and unblock regions in their brains that aren’t functioning optimally due to stress and high-intensity work.
A brain break is a short period that allows students to break away from their classroom work and recharge.
Brain breaks are structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises or sensory activities.
A brain break has many benefits, such as:
- improving blood flow to the brain
- enhancing mood and learning
- increasing engagement
- improving focus, attention, and retention
- strengthening teacher-student relationships.
This presentation will explore the positive impacts brain breaks have on student mental health across all year levels.
It will examine the value of normalising and incorporating brain breaks into the teaching and learning process.
It will provide examples of various types of brain breaks you can implement in classes.
3.20pm – 3.30pm Seminar Close
