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.
Children and adolescents often experience stress, for example peer pressure, family conflict, moving from primary school to high school, increased demands of study, performance expectations and body changes. Children and adolescents cannot always be protected from stress, however, they can be provided with the skills necessary to cope with stress and to rise above life’s difficulties and challenges.
The Positive Thinking Skills program is developmentally appropriate for students in year 4. During the 10 weeks of program implementation students learn to identify feelings and are introduced to the idea of thinking styles. Students learn that thoughts and feelings are connected, and that there are helpful and unhelpful thinking styles. Students learn strategies that help them to cope when they feel afraid, and relaxation techniques to help them feel better in challenging situations. These skills include:
- Planning
- Identifying comfortable and uncomfortable feelings
- Recognising Feelings in different situations
- Thought and Feelings connection
- Looking for evidence to change our thoughts
- Self – esteem and being brave
Students are encouraged to apply these skills to:
- Help them deal with fears
- Plan fun activities / events
- Help them to find evidence before come into conclusion
- Have a positive outlook in life
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
14 Sep 2017 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person