Reports on Past Activities

2011

Level Two Planning Workshop – Nedlands, 23 - 24 May 2011

This Nedlands workshop was wonderful! The Nedlands Yacht Club was a venue that afforded participants beautiful views across the reflective waters of the Swan River. There were three school teams represented, all showing a marvellous commitment to a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. A mixture of staff attended reflecting the solid core-team commitment to moving MindMatters forward in their schools.

Teams focused on a variety of outcomes for their school plans including an emphasis on improving rates of reported bullying, improving communication between teaching staff and support service staff and establishing and strengthening a social and emotional learning program across the school. Participants' comments included:

'So many great tools to use.'
'Great environment and opportunity to communicate and reflect'

Student Empowerment – Albany 25 March 2011

The Student Empowerment workshop in Albany was a powerful example of the benefits of empowering young people in supporting the mental health and wellbeing in schools. Students from Mt Barker Community College presented on the work of students and the school to staff and students from other high schools in the region. Amazingly powerful stuff!

Aboriginal Education Worker Professional Development – 23 March 2011

The Aboriginal Education Worker workshop was hosted by Brookman Primary school and brought together 20 Aboriginal and Islander Officers (AIEOs) from mostly south metropolitan Perth. This was a great opportunity for AIEOs in primary and secondary schools to engage with MindMatters and look at ways forward.

Joint MindMatters KidsMatter Forums Term 1 and 2, 2011

The joint MindMatters and KidsMatter Support meetings held in north and south metropolitan Perth, Albany and Bunbury brought together schools committed to taking action in mental health and wellbeing. These sessions started with presentations from community agencies, including Parenting WA, the ARAFMI School Education Program, the Act Belong Commit Schools Framework; WANSLEA COPMI program, Centrecare’s 1 Life – Suicide Prevention, on their work and how schools could engage with these services. This was followed by a practical session on Staff Matters and then KidsMatter and MindMatters schools spent separate time talking about specific issues for them.

2010

Level Two Schools Celebration Breakfast – 26 November 2010

On 26 November 2010 MindMatters hosted a Level Two Schools Breakfast attended by schools from across Perth. The event acknowledged the work schools made during 2010 to a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. At the breakfast Mt Barker Community College was acknowledged as the first Western Australian school to gain MindMatters Recognition.

Level One Introductory Workshop – Bunbury 1-2 June 2010

Historical Bunbury Senior High School sits on a hill with a commanding view overlooking the Indian Ocean. As well as the spectacular scenery, MindMatters Trainer Christine Moran was impressed by the dedication and passion of the staff at the school. Thirteen participants from the school attended a MindMatters Level One Introductory Workshop on 1-2 June.
The workshop hummed along with experienced teachers, Year Level Coordinators and Student Welfare staff sharing their experience and ideas about mental health and wellbeing and the value of social, emotional and spiritual learning. They found it very affirming to reflect on the many positive class room practices, programs and processes currently in place in their school. They explored issues around a whole school approach to promoting resilience and positive relationships throughout the school community. They are very keen to attend a Level Two Planning Workshop to use the MindMatters planning tools to continue to develop their mental health and wellbeing program.

2009

Level One Introductory Workshop April 2009

MindMatters is recognised by WA DET as an accredited provider for the WA Professional Learning Institute Senior Teacher Program.

During the April school holidays, more than 50 dedicated teachers from metropolitan and regional WA engaged in the two-day Level One Introductory Workshop and/or the one-day Teaching and Learning for Engagement focus module. These were facilitated in excellent style by WA State Project Officer, Suzi Wood. Suzi’s in-depth knowledge and engaging style ensured that the participants were thoroughly immersed in co-operative social and emotional learning.

The Level One Introductory Workshop introduces participants to the MindMatters kit and raises awareness of social and emotional learning and wellbeing at a teacher and whole school level. The Teaching and Learning for Engagement focus module is intensive: participants not only learn from the MindMatters resources but engage in deep discussions about strategies for engaging students.

Feedback from participants indicates the success of the workshops.

‘Excellent – enjoyed using the workbook as a tool to work through each session and teachers can use it as a resource to assist in the classroom.’
‘It is always useful to come away with examples of activities and strategies that we can use in class to motivate and engage students.’
‘Practical, engaging, varied, thought-provoking. Thanks for the great ideas that I can take and implement in my classroom/across the middle school.’

Level One Introductory Workshop – Ascot Quays 10-11 March 2009

Anne-Marie Ellery was at her witty best when delivering the Level One Introductory Workshop to a very cohesive, friendly group of 14 teachers and health workers. The participants, who came from both urban and rural schools, generated lively input and discussion, sharing ideas and resources. Teachers from school groups had time to discuss issues and think collectively about a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing in their school. They developed strategies to take back to their workplaces.

Participant Anna Albrecht, School Education Officer with ARAFMI, is keen to visit schools to address students about the understanding of mental illness among young people and dispel some of the myths and stigma surrounding mental illness. She can bring guest speakers to educate students and answer questions about mental illness. Anna can be contacted on 9427 7100 or anna@arafmi.asn.au.

Comments from participants:

‘I see your workshops are really valuable in promoting and educating people about responsibilities and the importance of a whole school approach.’
‘Good food and the vibe of other participants was very pleasurable.’
‘Excellent. Lots of things I can use directly in my classroom.’
‘Great! Love the collaborative learning strategies.