Description
Aussie Optimism is an evidence-based mental health promotion program that provides schools and families with practical information and strategies. The programs are mapped to the national curriculum for HPE and are designed to be run in schools, with whole classes in a school term. Aussie Optimism is a resilience program that can help all children build coping skills and self-esteem. The programs can also reduce anxiety, depression and suicidality.
The two Aussie Optimism: Feelings and Friends programs are developmentally appropriate for students in Years 1 - 2 and Year 3. During the 10 weeks of program implementation students learn to identify and label feelings first in themselves and then in others. Students learn and practice how to look out for body clues and early warning signs that help them know how they are feeling. The skills include:
- Identifying four common feelings (sad, angry, scared and happy)
- First aid for feelings
- How to be friendly
Students are encouraged to apply these skills to:
- Talk about their own feelings and the feelings of others
- Establish and maintain good relationships with family and friends
- Cope with stressful or challenging situation
Presenters
Mandy Marett (AISWA Staff)
Senior Psychologist
Mandy Marett is a Senior Psychologist with the AISWA School Psychology Service (ASPS) with 25 years’ experience in the field of psychology and education, working across the state of WA and internationally including 5 years living in the Kimberley and the Pilbara regions working with non-government schools. Mandy provides psychology support to a number of the AICS Kimberley schools and several independent schools in the Perth metro area and is passionate about working with schools to support students to achieve academic success and social and emotional wellbeing.
Tammy Barnes (AISWA Staff)
Senior Psychologist
Tammy is a Senior Psychologist at AISWA. Tammy has been working as a psychologist with schools at AISWA for over 11 years. Prior to working for AISWA, she worked with schools in the public sector. Tammy has worked in diverse settings in WA which has included working with schools in remote, rural, and metropolitan locations. Part of her work has included delivering training in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training and Aussie Optimism Program. Tammy is passionate about mental health prevention and intervention in schools, including the implementation of social and emotional learning programs.
Larissa Roy (AISWA Staff)
Senior Psychologist
Larissa is a skilled psychologist who enjoys working collaboratively with school communities to build capacity and create supportive, inclusive educational environments enhancing student outcomes and wellbeing. She brings expertise and passion in promoting mental health and is an accredited trainer in Aussie Optimism programs.
Larissa has worked across various educational settings within metropolitan, rural and remote locations and has taught overseas in an early childhood setting. This combination of skills and experience allows her to approach her work with empathy, understanding and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to view our general terms and conditions
Segments
Event Segment
Date / Time
27 Jun 2017 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person