By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
IT’S never too early to learn about mental health.
This philosophy was certainly embraced by the team at Berwick Primary School which has implemented a new program to help the mental health of their students.
The Resilience Project runs programs at schools, sports clubs and businesses to provide them with evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.
The school was introduced to the program by its Founding Director Hugh van Cuylenburg and Education Manager Martin Heppell.
“In 2016 we have extended the program to the whole school community,” principal Andrew Healy said.
“The staff had a second professional development session with Hugh to learn about emotional literacy.
“This is when people are able to identify not only what emotions they are feeling but recognising how others are feeling as well.
“Each child has had a grade appropriate session with either Hugh or Martin Heppell that is giving the same resilience message.
“They then receive a very professionally produced journal that is age appropriate in which they do a varying number of follow-up lessons.”
Mr Healy said the program had been a success among students and staff.
“Hugh is a very engaging speaker and his message is simple – if we want to become more resilient we must practise three things – gratitude, mindfulness and empathy,” he said.
“The teachers took this on board and started practising Hugh’s strategies with the students.
“It created a real buzz.”
For more information visit www.theresilienceproject.com.au.
