February 2012 Archives

Thank you to all the 466 people who responded to the survey. The first analysis is available here and shows that the overwhelming view was that a focus on student wellbeing enhances the learning environment, mental health, positive behaviour and teacher wellbeing. Only 14 respondents disagreed with any of these statements.

More respondents than not thought that NAPLAN and teaching to the test compromise wellbeing but there were several comments about this in the open-ended questions. Rankings on MySchool and parental pressure for academic outcomes were also seen to be of concern by most though again there was some debate. The qualitative analysis will follow in due course.

The University of Western Sydney has just published a literature review on the impact of high stakes testing on students. In summary these agree with our findings with serious concerns about student health and wellbeing - but also about learning and pedagogical approaches, teaching to the test rather than to the needs of the evaluation process and the narrowing of the curriculum. The researchers urge policy makers to hold in mind the best interests of the student. For more information go to http://www.whitlam.org/the_program/high_stakes_testing

The Positive Psychology Interest Group and the Emotion and Well-being Research Unit at Monash invite you to the first Well-being Journal Club meeting for 2012. Time: March 15, 2012 from 6pm to 7:30pm Location: campus of Monash University, F Block building, room F513 (5th floor)

Children are bombarded with an array of advertising for junk food, s*xy clothing, violent videogames and toys at home, at school and in our community. Does any of this harm? Are children smart enough to cope? Do our laws protect? International and Australian researchers and industry professionals will provide information and some answers at "The Corporate Takeover of Childhood: who's paying the price?" in Melbourne on Friday March 9. More information available at www.childrenandmedia.org.au.

Included in this issue:

• Name change for Principals Australia
• MindMatters Recognition event highlights
• MindMatters achievements
• Good news stories
• Student Empowerment - what's happening around Australia?
• Information on upcoming national events and conferences of interest
• Latest News by state and territory

http://www.pai.edu.au/mindmatters-issue01-2012

Four Corners 6 Feb 2012: strong messages around the importance of the teacher-student relationship and teacher development. Watch the program here, and also extended interviews with the principals of Toronto HS, Knox Grammar, and Hume Central.

This is a very generous offer from Nikki Harre, an academic in New Zealand.  You can download a PDF copy of her book Psychology for a Better World from here. Having dipped into it quickly it makes a good case for what we are all trying to do in Wellbeing Australia in promoting a sustainable, ethical world for the future wellbeing of our children. http://www.psych.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/download-the-book

Everyone knows of students who have high anxiety levels in case they make a mistake and parents who 'bubble-wrap' their children and don't let them experience difficult feelings. See what this school in the UK is doing to ensure that students learn that failure is part of life: 'Failure week' at top girls' school to build resilience

Bill Hansberry in Adelaide is distributing Moonjar moneyboxes - what do these have to do with Wellbeing? Well, they have three sections, meaning children are encouraged to think about whether to Spend their money, Save it, or Share it with others. Bill says: "Our kids all have moonjars and the conversations these things generate with kids about money, saving, donating and spending are incredible!" 

MindMatters is running a FREE Workshop: L1 Planning Workshop on 23rd & 24th February, 2012. Location: Y-Hotel Sydney, 5-11 Wentworth Street, Sydney. No cost - Morning, afternoon tea and lunch are included. This workshop is recognised by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is accredited for 10 hours of teachers Professional Development. Please see below for agenda. Register HERE