TOMORROW PERSON WORKSHOP

The Year 11 students had the privilege of welcoming back the Tomorrow Person workshop to McKinnon SC on Tuesday 25 June. Students were broken into groups to explore 'The Middle Ground'. This workshop was designed to nurture empathy, build stronger connections with student cohorts and embed the principle of respect in relationships. Key issues included gender stereotypes, empathy and respectful relationships.

The Year 11 students conducted themselves with professionalism and dignity. This was a valuable session for students and a privilege to observe.

Please find below student reflections on the Tomorrow Person workshop.

Kate Jobson

Head of Years 11 and 12

The Tomorrow person incursion has been a highly insightful experience. From visiting last year, and again this year, the Year 11 cohort has been able to reflect on our personal experiences with gender roles and mental health. We were forced out of our comfort zones, by being asked targeting questions such as “when was the last time you cried.” Although confronting, it enabled us all to bond even closer as a cohort.

Overall, the Tomorrow Person program was a wonderful place to bond with those people you see in the hallways, but never talk to. Those two hours were challenging, yet eye opening.

Alice Fletcher, Year 11

During the last week of term 2, the Year 11 cohort had the opportunity to participate in the Tomorrow Person workshop. For two periods we discussed important issues regarding mental health, social stereotypes and gender expectations. Although the initial emotion in the room was anxiety and fear, it soon passed when we were able to find common ground between each other. The workshop allowed us to understand the views and struggles of students around us and together we created a bond that was built upon mutual trust and relatability.

By the end of the session everyone was really engaged, felt connected with each other and not afraid to reveal something personal about themselves. Stepping outside of our comfort zone proved to be important in order to feel more united as a year level. Experiencing this level of intimacy made me realise how similar we all are in our beliefs and morals. I am incredibly grateful for this workshop and its ability to create a safer space for students, a vital ingredient for a smooth journey towards graduation.

In the aftermath, I feel more inclined to disclose personal experiences to build deeper relationships and I am positive that the rest of the cohort feels the same. Thank you so much to the Tomorrow Person organisation for creating a workshop that empowers gender equality and peer connection.

Milana Gavrilenko, Year 11