From the Deans of Students
Senior School Anti-Bullying and Wellbeing Seminars – A Transformative Experience
In Week 7, our school community had the privilege of welcoming Luke Kennedy, Australia’s most requested anti-bullying speaker and a highly regarded mental health advocate, for a series of impactful seminars with both students and staff.
From the moment Luke began speaking, students were completely engrossed. His storytelling was powerful, authentic, and deeply relatable. You could feel the shift in the room, students leaned in, listened intently, and reflected on their own experiences. His ability to connect on a human level created a safe and engaging space where students felt both seen and challenged.
What made these seminars particularly meaningful was Luke’s focus on self-bullying, the inner critic and negative self-talk that often underpins how we treat others. Rather than beginning with external behaviours, Luke guided students inward, encouraging them to consider how they speak to themselves and how this shapes their actions, relationships, and sense of self-worth.
Through this lens, students began to understand that kindness towards others starts with kindness towards ourselves. Luke emphasised the importance of taking time to reflect, reset, and care for our own wellbeing. His message was clear: when we learn to treat ourselves with compassion and respect, we are far more capable of extending that same care to those around us.
Students were not just passive listeners; they were active participants - thinking, questioning, and connecting. Many walked away with practical strategies to challenge negative thinking, build resilience, and approach others with greater empathy and understanding.
Luke’s visit has left a lasting impression on our school community. His message serves as a powerful reminder that creating a positive culture is not just about addressing behaviour, but about nurturing self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, and genuine human connection.
We look forward to continuing this important work as we build a school environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to be their best self.
Upcoming Online Seminar - Raising BodyKind Teens
Supporting adolescent body image
Parents and carers naturally want their adolescent to feel confident and comfortable in their body, but it’s not always easy to know how best to support this in our appearance focused world.
That’s why Butterfly is inviting parents of teens to a virtual seminar designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and confidence to nurture positive body image and healthy relationships with eating and physical activity in the home.
In this practical, engaging session, parents will learn:
- Key influences on adolescent body image, including the impact of puberty
- Common risk factors for body dissatisfaction and how to reduce them at home
- Everyday BodyKind strategies to support healthy eating and physical activity
- The importance of the language used around bodies and appearance
- How to respond if you notice body image concerns
- Where to find help and support if needed
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 9th April 2026
Time: 7pm - 8:15pm AEST (+15 mins for questions)
Via: Zoom. Time limited recording available
Cost: $15
Study Skills Handbook
The ELES Online Study Skills Handbook is a detailed and engaging digital resource designed to support students, parents and teachers in developing effective study habits for success in high school. By using an online and interactive format, it connects well with students and offers a practical way to strengthen study skills. It is a valuable resource for families and schools, providing a wide range of information, strategies and interactive activities to help students build better study routines and improve their learning outcomes.
Please see the flyer below regarding login details for the Study Skills Handbook.
Amal Siorokos and Danielle Pearson
Deans of Students