ABOUT 80 deputy and assistant principals from Catholic secondary schools throughout Queensland gathered on the Gold Coast for a conference to address the issue of emotional resilience in young people.
Association of Catholic Secondary Schools of Queensland – Deputy Principals and Assistant Principals Inc hosted the conference at the Radisson Resort, Palm Meadows, from August 10-12.
The three-day conference titled, “Let’s Connect: Connectedness is at the Heart of Resilience”, focused on processes schools can implement to build school environments where students feel connected.
It also looked at how teachers can help students develop personal resilience so they can cope with the complexity of their lives and “bounce back” when they experience difficulties and setbacks.
Evidence suggests increasing numbers of young people are struggling through school and life with social and emotional needs that greatly challenge schools and welfare agencies.
Bullying, low self-esteem, depression, youth suicide and drug abuse are among issues of concern.
Education consultant Dr Toni Noble delivered the keynote address and workshop, “Bounce back with Resilience”, answering questions that will impact on the practices of educators for the 21st century.
Association president, Our Lady’s College, Annerley deputy principal Deidre Anderson said the conference had been an extremely worthwhile experience.
“In Catholic schools our priority is educating and caring for the ‘whole’ person and emotional resilience is clearly vital to students’ health and well-being and subsequent school performance,” she said.
She said the teenage years are often an emotionally challenging time.
“As educators we are conscious of this and the need to support students in coping effectively with various setbacks and issues that may confront them,” she said.
