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Level One Planning Workshop Reports

Level One Planning Workshop Reports

Brisbane 8–9 June, 2010

The Novotel was the venue for this workshop facilitated by Lydia Najlepszy. Twenty-seven participants from schools around the education region of Greater Brisbane, as well as Queensland Health and the University of Queensland, attended the workshop.
Participants were introduced to the MindMatters resource kit and the concept of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Aspects of the workshop found most useful by the participants included:

specific information on mental illnesses/mental health
importance of mental health – who can support change
implementation and understanding of MindMatters and how we can make a difference
information given on background behind health and wellbeing
practical activities. Great information, have a much greater understanding of mental health/illness; wellbeing.

Rockhampton 11–12 May, 2010

Lydia Najlepszy facilitated this workshop at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Twenty-three educators from eight organisations throughout the education region of Fitzroy Central West Queensland were in attendance. The workshop gave an introduction to the MindMatters resource kit and the concept of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Feedback from the workshop included:

‘Worthwhile, educational and updating.’
‘All teachers, primary and secondary, should at least attend this workshop.’
'Very good – should be available to all pre-service teachers as their last part of uni.’
‘Excellent program and presentation.’

Brisbane 16–17 March, 2010

Twenty-eight educators from throughout the Brisbane region of Queensland attend this workshop at the Novotel, facilitated by MindMatters Queensland trainer, Lydia Najlepszy. This workshop gave an overview on bullying and harassment, loss and grief, mental health and wellbeing, team building, resilience and practical activities, as well as how to use the MindMatters kit.

Following on from the workshop, participants would like to:

‘Work with other staff in my school – planning a whole school approach – come back for the second workshop.’
‘Attend the focus modules.’
‘Become more involved in using MindMatters at school.’
‘Be able to convince everyone of its importance.’
‘Implement many of the topics covered in the course.’
‘Sit down with Year Level Coordinators and plan a whole school approach.’

Toowoomba 24–25 February, 2010

Lydia Najlepszy, MindMatters Queensland trainer, was the facilitator for this workshop held at the Downs Club. Sixteen educators from throughout the Darling Downs/South West region of Queensland attended the workshop that gave an overview of the whole school approach, diversity issues, interactive teaching strategies, community links as well as what the MindMatters kit contains and how to use it.

Participants from the workshop said aspects they found most useful were:

‘How to address various issues; greater understanding of mental health.’
‘Having a whole school approach, not teaching wellbeing individually – getting to it before it’s needed.’
‘Realising the content of the kits and its ease of use.’
‘Brainstorming; how to integrate MindMatters into curriculum.’
‘All elements, especially loss and grief and building resilience – never bored and always involved.’

Townsville 17–18 February, 2010

MindMatters Queensland trainer, Lydia Najlepszy was the presenter for this workshop held at the Mercure Hotel. Participants from six educational facilities attended this workshop that gave an introduction to the MindMatters resource kit and the concept of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

When asked what aspects of the workshop were found most useful, replies included:

‘Listening to other practitioners talk about how they would use the materials. The workshop excelled with getting participants to interact.’
‘School matters and understanding mental illness.’
‘All areas were of great benefit. Key areas were grief and loss, and resilience.’
‘Whole school approach.’

Brisbane 27–28 August, 2009

Dean McManus, MindMatters Associate Project Officer, facilitated this workshop. Thirty-nine participants from sixteen educational facilities in the Greater Brisbane Region attended the workshop that covered the MindMatters Kit and How to Use It, Diversity Issues, Development of School/Community Links, Discussion and Modelling of Interactive Teaching Strategies from the Teaching Resources, and a Whole School Approach.

Feedback – most useful aspects of the workshop:

‘The activities were excellent, very engaging; the balance between presentation, activities and discussion was great.’
‘I found the aspects of resilience the most useful; the activities were also a great way to learn and break up the day – very hands-on approach which was good.’
‘Loss and grief and mental illness.’
‘The full workshop was very useful for both newcomers and those reviewing their current practices.’
‘Awareness of the breadth of MindMatters.’
‘I enjoyed the factual-based aspects of the session.’

Cairns 20–21 August, 2009

This workshop, held at Rydges Tradewinds, was conducted by the Far North Queensland Region and facilitated by Tracy Zilm, MindMatters National Training Coordinator and Dean McManus, MindMatters Associate Project Officer. Twenty participants from as far north as Thursday Island attended this workshop that gave an introduction to the MindMatters Resource Kit and the concept of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Feedback – most useful aspects of the workshop:

‘Getting connected with kids and staff and parents and community.’
‘Practical activities, bullying and harassment section.’
‘Good overview of program with lots of ideas to inspire and see future possibilities.’
‘Good to have chance to work with/learn from our school to plan next three steps.’

Mooloolaba 6–7 August, 2009
Dean McManus was the presenter for this workshop held in the lovely surrounds of The Surf Club. Fifteen participants attended the workshop that gave an introduction to the MindMatters Resource Kit and the concept of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Feedback – most useful aspects of the workshop:

‘Learning about the different aspects of the resources and the handy practical activities for both students and staff.’
‘Loved the group activities and discovering the other focus workshop available.’
‘Practical strategies and pedagogical practices that teachers can employ.’
‘CommunityMatters DVD– all activities very useful to hopefully increase school/community spirit.’