SEED & MANCAVE

SEED & MANCAVE Workshops

On Thursday 25 August, students from Year 8 attended two programs, SEED and MANCAVE Workshops, aimed at discussing issues surrounding teenagers as part of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program. 

Feedback from the event was amazing, and student engagement and participation was phenomenal. 

The SEED workshops aim to build emotional intelligence and resilience, and teach girls to take control of their own lives, and to realise their full potential.

The female identifying students participated in the following:

Workshop 1:Gender Bender/Media Wise - The influence of media in reinforcing gender stereotypes and how to tackle it.

Workshop 2:Respectful Relationships - Assert Yourself - Learning tips and tricks to tackle challenging and unsafe situation.

Workshop 3:Talking the Talk - Exploring the power of positive self talk and identity through art therapy.

Workshop 4:Stress Less - Techniques for stress management.

Workshop 5: The Best of Friends - Creating and maintaining relationships.

Students had this to say about the SEED program: 

I didn't think this was going to be as good as it was. All of the workshops were excellent and I loved seeing how we all felt the same way. I learnt that speaking up is okay, that everybody is fine as they are, and to treat myself and others goodly. I'd recommend to others. Chelsea

These workshops were excellent and I especially loved making the pockets. I learnt to not compare bodies, to try not to stress, to pick friends wisely, to love myself, and that social media is fake. I'd recommend this program. 

Prisha

These workshops were excellent, especially the making of the pockets. I learnt that friendships can be tough, to not be stressed, SOS(Stop. Observe. Steer), and consent. I'd recommend. 

Ritkriti

I thought this would be more like a lecture but it was actually excellent. The best part was the art and craft and hanging out with friends. I learnt to not gossip, how to keep friends, that everyone is in the same boat, and to feel more comfortable with myself. I'd recommend this program as you have guys have made me feel like I belong and I am worth the time. 

Holly

I didn't really know what to expect but this was excellent. I think the best part was when we were writing all the things about our friends. I think the music really helped set the mood too. I learnt to believe in myself, that lots of people go through struggles I do, and that all my friends love me. I would definitely recommend this as Catherine did things awesomely.

 Madison

The MANCAVE workshops support boys to create their own unique version of healthy masculinity. They explore their personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, which all add up to them understanding how they can reach their full potential. 

The male identifying students participated in the following:

• Learn how gender stereotypes impact their attitudes and behaviour
• Meet our diverse male and non-binary facilitators

• Learn to constructively express their thoughts and feelings
• Connect to their values and strengths
• Leave with tools and resources to support their personal wellbeing
• Define values-based vision for the man they want to become

Our Student’s comments on the Mancave workshops : 

“ It really helped me understand that I'm not the only one who is struggling.”

“They were fun and engaging.”

“They let everyone give their input but they didn't force you to, and they went around and got to know everyone a little bit.”

“I do feel the workshop was inclusive because everyone as able to share and be respected.”

“I think that everyone did an outstanding job and I can tell everyone had fun and spoke from the heart.”

“It was a great workshop and other schools grades and schools should do it.”

“I really enjoyed how you can talk about your feelings without feeling judged and I liked listening to what other people had to say”

We would like to acknowledge the generous support of The Victorian Government and Outer Eastern RRRR in helping Wantirna College secure these worthwhile programs, along with the hard work of the Respectful Relationships team in organising the events. 

A huge thankyou to our workshop leaders from SEED and Mancave and our Student Wellbeing and Middle Years Leaders for helping to facilitate and making the day such a success. 

Mel Zulfic

Year 8 Year Level Leader