Health & Physical Education News
Kelsey DWYER
Health & PE, Learning Area Leader
Resilience Programs Coordinator
The Man Cave
Facilitating healthy masculinity for boys and young men
The Man Cave gave Year 9 students a chance to learn about and develop the skills and confidence needed to be successful in life. The session provided a safe and supportive space for our young men to learn about themselves, their peers and the world around them. The program is based on the belief that all young men have the potential to succeed and it provides them with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.
Some of the main goals from Wednesday’s session were:
- To build confidence
- To improve self esteem
- To promote healthy relationships
- To encourage academic achievement
- To reduce risky behaviours and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
“Being a part of the Man Cave was an amazing experience, where students were honest with themselves - and their peers - about the challenges they face on a daily basis.
The day was a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations.
At times it was gut-wrenching hearing students talk about their struggles - not about school, but their personal lives. Conversely, at times it was equally heart-warming to see the solidarity in the eyes of the group when members were sharing their experiences.
By the end of the day, I could see a significant change in their attitude and outlook, a maturity and emotional intelligence that wasn't there previously.”
Daniel Hrisovergi, Teacher
“On the 10th of May, the year 9 boys participated in Man Cave. We spent the day talking about mental health and listening to powerful testimonies from the leaders and sharing our own. We learnt a multitude of ways to deal with the emotions that we feel, and that emotions are never bad. We played plenty of games and had tons of fun. There were tears, laughter, smiles and we all came away better for it. In the end it was a brilliant experience, and all the boys enjoyed it.”
Caleb, Junior School Captain
