A new way of thinking
15 Mar 2017
Inspiring presenters and engaged participants were key to the success of the inaugural Positive Education New Zealand conference, held at Christ’s College, on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March.
Positive Education brings together the science of wellbeing with best practice teaching to enable individuals, schools and communities to thrive. The conference invited primary, secondary and tertiary educators, and other interested professionals, to focus on how implementing wellbeing programmes in schools – giving students tools to help them manage their lives – can benefit the whole community.
“I got sick of being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff,” says John Quinn, College Counsellor and Director of Wellbeing & Positive Education. “If we can teach students about wellbeing, help them understand and manage their emotions, foster and grow positive relationships, find meaning and purpose, we give them the tools to build resilience, grit and optimism, and flourish throughout their lives.”
Key speakers included leading educators, psychologists and experts in the field, while breakout sessions gave delegates the opportunity to find out about positive education and wellbeing initiatives already introduced in primary and secondary schools across New Zealand.
John Quinn says the organisers – the 100% Project – plan to make Positive Education New Zealand an annual event.
