MacKillop Family Services and its Education and Grief and Loss programs are hosting a national two-day conference as part of its commitment to support children, young people and families to heal from adversity.

There is a strong evidence base about the impact of grief, loss and trauma on children and young people. Loss and trauma can come in many forms, from the death of a loved one, to family breakdown, or separation from family. It is critically important for professionals working with children and young people to understand the impact of trauma, and to develop the skills to create a safe environment to support them to recover.

National and international experts in helping children deal with loss and trauma will come together for the Lead the Way Towards Wellbeing conference in Sydney on 31 October and 1 November 2019. Through presentations and workshops, they will share their experience in innovative early intervention programs, whole school approaches and the latest research regarding the impacts of trauma, loss and grief on students’ wellbeing and learning.

Prof Anne Graham AO, teacher, founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University and author of the well-known Seasons for Growth loss and grief education program will join the conference to share research outcomes linking student wellbeing and participation rights, including opportunities for children and young people to have a voice in decision-making that impacts on their lives.  In addition, Anne will lead an interactive workshop focusing on what it means to authentically accompany children and young people as they make sense of the events and experiences that shape their lives.

Keynote speaker Assoc Prof Judith Murray, Director of the Master of Counselling and Psychology Programs at The University of Queensland, will explore the theory and lived experience of grief and trauma, guiding conference participants to make the connections between the ‘mind and body’, including the power of story to ensure we attend to the ‘whole’ experience of children and young people.

Brendan Murray, Director of Article 26, and founding Executive Principal of Parkville College, will present the innovative ReLATE Model, demonstrating how the capacity of school leaders and a core team of staff can be supported to lead and sustain trauma-responsive school change, guided by experienced education consultants.

In her keynote address, Rosie Batty OA will share the impact of Family Violence and the experiences of loss and grief, a major issue in Australia irrespective of age, culture, sexual identity, ability, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status.

Education workshops will address loss and grief, exclusion, conflict, emotional and behavioural difficulties and mental health issues with evidence-based strategies that can be integrated into classroom management, wellbeing and pastoral care practices in your school. These evidence-based strategies support students to heal and re-engage with learning while supporting staff wellbeing and sustainable change.

Particularly relevant for principals, teachers and wellbeing personnel who are eager to lead the way towards better wellbeing and learning outcomes in their schools, the conference will provide an opportunity to explore and network with colleagues and the speakers on emerging school-based issues. Professionals trained to deliver the Seasons for Growth Program will have the opportunity to build on their existing knowledge and network with Companions and Trainers from Australia and overseas.

The conference program has been approved by TQI and has been submitted to NESA for accreditation of professional development hours and meets the requirements for Special Needs of Teacher Registration Boards in other states.

Lead the Way Towards Wellbeing takes place on Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November 2019. It will be held at Waterview, Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park. 

Find out more about the conference and registration details by clicking the banner above.