Schools seek to adopt ‘Empowering Approaches to Wellbeing’
18 July 2024
More than 140 people representing schools from across the Bunbury Diocese gathered at CEWA’s Bunbury Regional Office on Monday 15 July for the 2024 Education Assistants Conference.
The Conference theme and title were ‘Empowering Approaches to Wellbeing’.
Attendees heard from Internationally renowned speaker, educator, author and podcaster, Maggie Dent on her 6 Steps to Staff Resilience.
Maggie explored the importance for educators and assistants in today’s busy and rapidly changing work to be better than average – indeed to step up to be exceptional. From a strong background in the classroom and drawing on emerging research, Maggie challenged thinking and expectations in an entertaining and practical way so that our Education Assistants can make a positive difference in schools while nurturing their own health and well-being.
They also worked with Ben Saulsman, a CEWA
Wellbeing Consultant. Ben looked at the VIA 24 Character Strengths and the EAs explored their top-three-character strengths to understand how they show up in their work, and how they can use their characteristics to enhance the work they do with children and young people.
They also investigated how these strengths in children can show up and be interpreted as inappropriate behaviour, as well as how can they spot character strengths in others and use that enhance wellbeing, relationships and ultimately outcomes for students.
Kerry said the day gave her insight into how to ‘use my strengths and was a reminder of using your students’ strength to help them grow and learn’.
Sue added that the day highlighted for that ‘I can make a difference in someone’s life’.
Finally, Andrea commented that the whole day was a great experience.
Others in attendance were positive about the networking opportunities and the speakers saying: ‘Maggie was engaging and down to earth…’ and ‘Maggie was inspirational!’
‘Having Maggie Dent speak and confirm so much of what I believe when working with children – having fun with them, treating them with kindness and empathy, teaching them how to manage their emotions and work on their strengths’.
After hearing from Ben, one attendee noted they had ‘renewed excitement and enthusiasm to see my class this term! I can’t wait to start being more aware of my students’ strengths.”
