Ways to “De-stress the Mess”
17 Oct 2017
Life is busy and, with NCEA examinations looming, Year 13 student Vincent Li wanted to share with other students some tools and techniques to help them manage their stressors and find ways to get through. Together with Head of Student Welfare Jono Raymond, Vincent devised a one-day workshop focusing on wellbeing, creativity and how to “De-stress the Mess”.
“It’s an idea I’d been thinking about for a while,” says Vincent. “I really wanted to make it happen.”
Guest speakers included College Counsellor John Quinn, who talked about how a positive sense of wellbeing is fundamental to overall health; former English teacher Michael O’Brien, who looked at ways to explore creativity through writing; and motivational speaker Michael Hempseed who, in sharing his most humiliating experience (before an audience of millions, on Britain’s Got Talent), outlined the valuable lessons learned and skills gained from failure.
At the end of the afternoon, English teacher Nikki Bleyendaal facilitated a drama-based session linking all aspects of the workshop together and concentrating on exercises to enhance wellbeing.
“It was an awesome, energising way to end an inspiring day,” says Vincent, who would like to see such a workshop become a fixture on the College calendar.
“De-stress the Mess” was held at College on Sunday 8 October.