On Friday 13 May our Year 8 students participated in full-day workshops with organisations The Man Cave (for the boys) and Flourish Girl (for the girls). These programs target the emotional intelligence of our students and create a safe space where they can open up, be supported by their peers and know that they are not alone — in fact, most other people are feeling the same way. The way the students supported each other throughout the day was heart-warming to witness.
The Man Cave workshop explored how gender stereotypes impact attitudes and behaviour, what defines a respectful relationship and how the boys will uniquely contribute to their community and the world. Flourish Girl’s workshop encouraged our girls to develop tools of empathy, trust and gratitude to build healthier and positive relationships with themselves and others.
Anonymous student reflections of the workshops are shared below:
GIRLS:
- It made me think about what others feel and think and that they are similar to me
- It's very important to keep your feelings in check and make sure you know why you're feeling the way you are
- I understood how others feel about themselves and that their judgement is very similar to myself
- (I learnt) that you should love yourself for who you are and that there is always someone to talk to
- (I learnt) how different thoughts can affect your mindset
- (I learnt that) you don't need to meet beauty standards to be pretty.
BOYS:
- I gained a better understanding of the things that my friends and peers are going through
- (I gained) knowledge on how to show emotions in a healthy way
- (I learnt) how to help and support others
- (I learnt) to check in with yourself and others
- (I learnt) that it is OK to share your emotions with others instead of bottling them up
- I was inspired by my peers' bravery, and felt comfortable to express the feelings I had bottled up. It felt incredible to share my feelings, and it brought the group closer together.
