Year 7 and 8 get "MPowered and REVVED UP"


Year 7 and 8 get “MPowered and REVVED UP”

In week 1 and 2 of term 2 our year 7 and 8 students all took part in a unique learning experience. The students undertook a range of activities and workshops aimed at developing a greater understanding of themselves and others and how we can help the Ballarat High School community to become more inclusive and supportive of each other. 

 

The year 7 and 8 girls undertook the “MPower” girls program. The girls enthusiastically threw themselves into the program and participated in workshops addressing; understanding relationships, exploring the nature of girls, new ways of relating and developing the skills and confidence to express feelings openly and honestly. Staff and students gave wonderful feedback on the importance and success of the day.

 

Rachel Field, year 8
Rachel Field, year 8

 

The year 7 and 8 boys undertook the REVVED UP program. We were lucky enough to be provided with the facilities of the One 2 One church in Gillies St. The boys positively engaged in the varied activities including role plays and conversations, working through topics such as exploring feelings, developing understanding of reactions and responses to difficult situations, being aware of anger and frustration and developing ways to relate positively to others. The boys’ artistic talents came to the fore in their creation of their individual “fireball” which represented how they might feel inside if they were frustrated or angry. The year 8's were also lucky enough to have a guest speaker in Sean Weir, the founder of ‘The Shaka project’, address them. Sean spoke of his difficult life journey and the importance of finding your passion and recognising and supporting each other in all aspects of life but in particular around mental health. 

 

 

The year 7's also participated in a Cybersafety session taken by Community Police liaison, Des Hudson. This encompassed many areas including safety online and appropriate use, respecting others including the ideal of consent and understanding our role in the safety of self and others in the virtual world.

 

There are many people to thank when a day like this occurs and I would like to say thanks to One 2 One church for donating the use of their facilities. A huge thankyou goes to our guest speakers, Des Hudson and Sean Weir as well as all BHS staff involved for their commitment to the training and organisation that is necessary for an event like this to occur. The students also are to be congratulated for the attitude and effort they put into the days. Through these positive actions we were able to witness wonderful learning about ourselves and others. It also provides a platform of language and thinking that can be used by all moving forward. 

 

Well done to all involved.  

 

 

Shane Mathison

Assistant Principal Years 7-9