Explore perspectives for improving
school wellbeing programs

Overview

The focus of this conference is on the wellbeing of teachers and students with a goal to developing and updating school wellbeing programs.

We know that not only do confident and resilient children with a capacity for emotional intelligence perform better academically, but these skills can also contribute to their ability to create strong social bonds and supportive communities, and to maintain healthy relationships and responsible lifestyles.

Teacher burnout is a major concern for all schools and so we need to develop strategies and plans to support our teachers to put themselves first to ensure they are able to lead a healthy, fulfilled life balance. Before, during and after the pandemic more and more people need support for their mental health and wellbeing. This is an important theme that will grow and evolve each year.

This conference targets those in leadership positions, principals, deputy principals, executive, heads of department, counsellors and a range of supporting positions. This conference will provide delegates with common sense approaches to significantly improve their own wellbeing and mental health.

Target Audience

Those in leadership roles, wellbeing coordinators, learning support, welfare coordinators and classroom teachers.

Tickets

Choose from one or two day ticket options. Tickets include arrival tea/coffee, morning tea, buffet lunch and a Certificate of Attendance (mapped to APST).

Speaker: Adam Voigt, CEO and Founder, Real Schools

You Had One Job

Do you remember a time when a School Leader’s job seemed simple and straight forward? It was, you know… to lead the school! But somewhere across the years we absorbed an inordinate number of ancillary responsibilities as educators and now it can feel as though we’re not specialising, making a difference in what matters or even working in our purpose. That needs to stop.

Adam will challenge you to re-imagine your school leadership as a leader of school culture. That really can be your ‘one job’ if we get clear on what culture is, how it underpins every school objective, how it promotes strong practice, optimises wellbeing and why it’s the practical work you were born to do in your school every single day.

Speakers: Andrew Murray, former Principal, Lumina Consulting

Who Cares for the Carers?

This workshop isn't just about understanding your own well being and burnout; it's about transforming your approach to teaching to create a thriving, sustainable environment. Those that attend will walk away with actionable strategies and tools.

• Reconsider key behaviours including, saying 'yes' to everything

• Identify and Address Burnout Factors

• Address workload and workplace culture including work ethic, alignment of values, recovery and the ability to switch off.

• Focus on Personal Recovery: Emphasise the importance of personal recovery and where your organisational responsibility lies. Focus on your own well-being and recovery.

Speaker: Andrew Oberthur, Principal, St Columba’s Wilston

Strategies for educator well-being in the real world

Participants will discuss practical strategies for their professional wellbeing in managing the demands of the current workload on educators. The session will be set in the context of the new Rite to Disconnect legislation, the current expectations of employers and parents, and the reality that educators face in the real world.

Speaker: Kritz and Bianca Sciessere, The Big Sister Experience

Strengtening Connections to Promote Student Attendance

What is connection and why is it so vital to the relationship between educator and student? What role does feeling connected to school play in attendance? And what is our role as educators to facilitate this sense of connection with our students? 

We will highlight the importance of connection in the lives of our young people and the role that connection plays in increased school attendance. We will; understand the vital role connection plays for a young person in showing up to school and engaging in academic and social activities within the school community; empower you as educators with many useful strategies, tools and activities to use both inside and outside of the classroom to help create solid foundations for connection; highlight the power of teacher vulnerability and how to encourage your students to want to connect with you and their classmates to foster a greater sense of wellbeing and community within the classroom and beyond.

Speaker: Dr Venesser Fernandes, Senior Lecturer & Associate Head of School of Education, Monash University

Developing Social and Emotionally Intelligent Classrooms & Schools

This interactive session will allow participants to experience what a socially and emotionally intelligent classroom looks and feels like using three main strategic processes: culturally responsive teaching, data-informed decision-making, and ethically responsible leadership. The presenter will also provide a toolbox for participants to take back and use in their classrooms and across their schools as they continue to develop their focus on sustained well-being within their schools. Please bring a device to participate fully in this presentation.

Speaker: Yvonne Harvey, Principal (K-6) Heathdale Christian College

Student management in difficult times

Managing student behaviours in today’s classrooms has become increasingly complex, particularly in the context of post-COVID learning environments and the evolving dynamics of Generation Z and Alpha students. In this presentation, we will explore the unique challenges educators face, including issues of engagement, disruptive behaviours, and the pressures of meeting diverse needs within schools.

We will address how shifting worldviews, cultural expectations, and heightened student anxieties have compounded these difficulties, possibly making traditional approaches less effective. By drawing on real-life examples and current research offering practical strategies for creating a positive classroom environment that balances discipline with care. Educators will leave with a deeper understanding of the root causes of behaviour challenges and a toolkit of solutions aimed at promoting holistic student growth and positive classroom culture aligned with modern pedagogical insights.

Speaker: David Kolpak, Principal, Trinity College North School SA

Being Well to do well for our students

With the ever-increasing demands placed upon people working in schools, self-care and well-being approaches have never been more important. Through this session you will discover practical strategies to prioritise self-care and promote a positive work environment. We will look at practices to help reduce burnout, improve focus, Foster collaboration, improve communication and build a supportive network. Investing in the well-being of school staff is essential for the success and happiness of our students. Working together we can create a culture that promotes growth, resilience and happiness for all community members.

Speaker: Sam Wright, Vice Principal – Students, Padua College

Cultivating mental health literacy through data informed approaches

In today's educational landscape, fostering a culture of respect and wellbeing is paramount for the holistic development of students and educators alike. Our session aims to explore how the integration of social and emotional literacy, a wellbeing framework and data-informed strategies can cultivate environments where respect for the environment, oneself, and the community thrives.We will delve into two key themes: Cultivating Respect Through Social and Emotional Literacy; and Data-Informed Strategies for Developing Flourishing Learners.

The session is designed for educators, administrators, and policymakers eager to implement evidence-based practices that promote respect, positive mental health, and flourishing among students and staff alike. Join us as we explore transformative strategies that empower individuals to become their best selves while nurturing thriving educational communities.

Speaker: Dale Sidebottom, Director, The School of Play

Building Resilience and Confidence Through the Power of Play

Join us for an unmissable session where fun leads the way to well-being! Play is essential for everyone: In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of play. Play helps you be present, reduces stress, and enhances mindfulness. This talk is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the joy of play and learn how it can improve your mental well-being.

Learn about the daily PEGG framework - Play, Exercise, Gratitude, and Giving - a simple yet powerful framework to enhance your life. Whether used as an individual goal, a family challenge, or a team-building exercise, PEGG will ground your mindset and promote lasting happiness. Improve mental health, reduce stress and boost emotional well-being.

Speaker: Michelle Andrews and Adam Van Sant, Assistant Principals, and Katie Stanford, Teacher/Leadership, Taroona High School

Wellbeing for Teaching AND Learning

This session describes our journey and what we did to come out on top to support all our learners and our teachers. Wellbeing for your staff ensures optimal teaching which leads to optimal wellbeing and learning for our young people. We have worked hard to build our wellbeing culture. We will talk about what has supported us and what has been challenging. We are still on our journey, but we have made amazing gains to support everyone at our High School. Find out what we do that could work for your school too. Strategies, proformas, activities and ideas!

Speakers: Lauren Munday, Think Set Go

Empowering Mental Wellbeing: Mindset and Organisational Strategies for Teachers and Students"

We will explore practical mindset, time management and performance strategies that support both teachers and students in pursuing their goals. Participants will discover three essential techniques to boost motivation and gain clarity of mind whilst prioritising personal well-being. These strategies can be integrated into daily routines to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Additionally, the session will explore ways to foster resilience and emotional intelligence in students, creating a balanced, supportive classroom that nurtures physical, emotional and mental well-being both in and out of the school environment.