On Monday the 6th of August I winged my way to Melbourne to deliver a talk to Ormond Collage which sits majestically on the grounds of Melbourne University. It also houses over 400 students. I’d never been to Ormond Collage before and as we were driving past I felt compelled to say to the taxi driver ‘look at that amazing building!’. Instead of saying anything he dropped me at the front door. I was speaking at Hogwarts!!!
I was met by a wonderful man by the name of Richard Ward who is senior staff member and the counsellor for the collage. I was ushered in where I was warmly greeted by staff and under graduates for drinks and nibbles. As is tradition, I was also asked if I’d like to wear a cloak. Felling slightly caped crusader-ish, we entered the dining hall single file while all the students stood quietly as we took our seats at the front of the hall. After dinner I gave a Walking and Talking the Black Dog talk, I spoke to around 65 students and staff. Judging by the Q&A and one on one chats with students after the talk, it clearly struck a chord with many who had listened. I think it’s great that places of education are stepping up to bring understanding to these students because when it comes to our mental health; prevention and good life management is the ultimate cure. If you’d like to check out Ormond Collage go to: www.ormond.unimelb.edu.au
The next day I hopped on a train to Geelong (actually Lara) where I was to deliver 4 talks over 2 days to students and staff at Geelong Grammar. This is the school that spent $15 million on a Wellness Centre (pictured behind me) and where they teach Positive Education (psychology). This structure and philosophy was developed in partnership with Dr Martn Seligman and his team from the Positive Psychology Centre at the University of Pennsylvania.
To found out more go to: www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu
Since 2005 Geelong Grammar has cut 2 classes of traditional subjects and replaced it with lessons on values, compassion, empathy, resilience, mastery, mindfulness and basically how to be a good person. All the teachers are trained in this area as well.
The talks I delivered, covered mental health, what happens when we lose it, how we get it back, life, purpose, meaning, balance and finally meditation. If ever I was to have an audience that had been primed for these subjects, it was here. I was totally blown away by the grounded wisdom, questions and insight these kids offered up. Justin Robinson who runs Positive Education at Geelong and who was my chaperone for my stay; has an infectious enthusiasm for what he does and it’s reflected in his students and the staff that work there.
When I left school, I was basically shoved out into the world and wished good luck. I – like many, had little emotional intelligence and basically blundered my way through life.
These kids at Geelong Grammar are extremely fortunate; when life chucks it’s inevitable slings and arrows they will be so much better prepared.
Geelong Grammar has started something truly special, I hope that other schools in Australia and around the world take a leaf out of their book and follow suit.
To find out more go to: www.ggs.vic.edu.au
