Starting Points

STARTING POINTS – CASTING STONES IN DAMS AND WATCHING THE RIPPLES GROW!

On June 7th we took a bold step in our positive psychology journey and held a statewide conference called Starting Points.

The name reflected where we are – at the start of our journey into positive psychology. We wanted to share our learning so far and provide our staff and the broader community with the opportunity to learn from a range of well-respected presenters.

The conference was held at the school. Several students gave up their day off to welcome and direct visitors and our canteen did a brilliant job catering for the event.

We were amazed by the response to the conference. It was attended by over 230 teachers, youth service agency and health workers, and interested parties from our local community and as far afield as Whyalla and Mount Gambier. Clearly, positive psychology is resonating with the community, not only of Mount Barker but across the state!

The day was arranged under four strands, which we believe have been important to our journey–
1. Leadership
2. Measurement
3. Professional Practice
4. Partnerships

TRAINING AT GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Further stones were cast in our own dam by a trip to Geelong Grammar School to undertake a four-day residential training program in Positive Education. Ten staff from Mount Barker High School, five from Littlehampton Primary School, four from Mount Barker Primary School, two each from Macclesfield and Echunga Primary Schools and three from our Regional Office attended and were all inspired! The ripples created will continue to be felt for some time to come. It was a privilege to work with people who have been embedding positive education into their practice for several years and be able to ‘pick their brains’.