Guest Speakers

Kim Wood - Healthy & Respectful Relationships

During Term 2, our school was privileged to host two engaging incursions with guest speaker Kim Wood. Kim conducted insightful sessions on Healthy and Respectful Relationships, focusing on key topics such as consent, values, and family violence.

The incursions were highly interactive, encouraging students to participate actively and voice their thoughts and questions. Kim's dynamic approach created an open and respectful environment, where students felt comfortable discussing these important issues. Through group activities and discussions, students gained a deeper understanding of how to build and maintain healthy relationships, the significance of consent, and the impact of family violence.

We are proud of how our students embraced these sessions, demonstrating maturity and eagerness to learn. These incursions not only educated but also empowered our students to make informed and respectful choices in their relationships. 

Pat Cronin Foundation

Plenty River College had the privilege of hosting Aiden Phelan, who delivered a powerful presentation about the Cronin family and the Pat Cronin Foundation. Aiden shared the tragic story of Patrick Cronin, who lost his life to the “coward punch.”

During the presentation, Aiden educated our students on what the “coward punch” is and the progression of anger leading to violence. He emphasised preventive measures to keep ourselves and others safe. Through personal stories, Aiden illustrated his own family’s struggles with anger and violence and their journey to overcoming these challenges.

To conclude, Aiden discussed the severe consequences of fighting, highlighting how a criminal record can impact employability and credibility. His presentation was both informative and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on our students about the importance of controlling anger and understanding the dire consequences of violent 

behaviour.

Butterfly Foundation

Ahila from the Butterfly Foundation visited our school to deliver an insightful presentation on eating disorders. Ahila debunked common myths about these disorders using research-based evidence and educated our students on the development and progression of eating disorders.

As part of the presentation, students watched videos featuring individuals from diverse backgrounds sharing their experiences with eating disorders, emphasising that these disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their background. 

Ahila discussed how social media, multi-million-dollar corporations, and societal standards on body image can negatively influence a person’s perception of their self-image and self-worth, potentially leading to the development of an eating disorder.

Ahila concluded the presentation with strategies that students can use to foster a positive relationship with their bodies and self-image. Additionally, she provided valuable resources for students who may have concerns about themselves or others, potentially having an eating disorder or being at risk of developing one.