NO BODY’S PERFECT!

In a world where the Media have become an even stronger voice in our girls’ ears – this workshop aims to uncover some of the preconceived ideas we have about what body perfection means. Adolescent girls are bombarded daily with images of celebrities, pop stars and models in every area of the media from advertising campaigns to music video clips.

This eye opening workshop helps demystify some of the norms of perfection thrust upon our girls. During this powerful time together, girls will discuss some of society’s ideas of perfection for our girls, including critically evaluating a variety of female images. One of the key points of the presentation involves the girls viewing images that demystify the art of digital retouching of images in the media.

It will leave girls shocked and stunned that they have been so mislead by the idea of ‘perfection’.

FRIENDS & ‘FRENEMIES’

Most adolescent girls would readily admit that one of their greatest influences during these important years are their friendships and peer groups. Most young people feel an intense pressure to fit in and be an accepted part of their peer groups. Friends can be a major influence on a young person’s self-esteem and body image. It is not always smooth sailing and girl world can be fraught with social power plays and mean girl behaviour.

During this powerful session, we will discuss how the social power pole works and how girls can move through this stage of their school life with their self-esteem intact.

Qualities that are important for healthy friendships
What girls can do when friendship dynamics change
How to move away from toxic friendship groups
Strategies to cope with mean girl behaviour
The harmful nature of gossip and how damaging words can be
How to deal with challenging friendships

PREPARING FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Entering High School can be a daunting experience for many young people – however it needn’t be! Presenter Sharon Witt has been working with first year high school students for over 18 years and her key strengths lie in demystifying High School for students and helping them to understand what to expect in the years ahead. Her insight, humour and stories will leave students with a sense of reassurance and a toolbox for starting this next step with ease.

Note: This session can be run longer and Sharon can help facilitate a complete orientation day program including helpful drama games, getting to know you group activities and other sessions on organisation and homework.

THINK YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

“What other people think of you is none of your business”

The power of positive thinking and having a great attitude can never be underestimated. This powerful workshop encourages students to examine the way they think about themselves and their own capabilities. Many young people develop negative mindsets about various elements of their life and education. During this session, students will understand the power of the negative phrase ‘I can’t!’ and learn techniques that will enable them to develop a more positive outlook.

Journals

During this practical session, we will be discussing how as girls, we can deal with our emotions, friendships and conflict during our teenage years.

One way of doing this is through the use of writing, drawing and expressing ourselves through journals. Many teen girls have found it beneficial to have a place to unload thoughts and feelings, without having to openly share these with others. We will discuss the various ways in which we can utilise our journals as a valuable tool for expressing these teen issues.

Each girl will be given their own journal and access to a broad range of scrapbooking papers, stickers, ribbons, quotes and bible verses.

Girls are encouraged to express their individuality and creativity through decorating the covers of their personal journals.

Girls of Strength

Identifying and developing our strengths can lead to greater self -esteem in life. We have all been given a variety of gifts and talents to use in life- that is what makes us all so unique! For many young people, identifying their key strengths can be difficult.

During this practical session, students will be encouraged to identify their specific strengths and to understand that even though we all may have different strength areas- we need diversity in the world.

For students to understand that we have all been created as unique and special individuals with a rich diversity of strengths and talents.

That although people may have different strengths, doesn’t mean that any are more important than others
How utilising our strengths can in turn, work to develop a positive self-image

Finding Your Wings

“If everyone lit their own candle, the whole world would be lit”
– Mary Moskovitz

With many young people suffering from low self esteem, we see the increase of destructive behaviours including binge drinking, drug taking, bullying and self harm. There are many benefits of helping our young people develop and maintain a healthy self image. During this session, girls will learn to identify the causes of poor self image and strategies they can begin using immediately to increase their self worth. This is an informative as well as highly practical workshop on these teen issues.

SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL

Entering High School can be a daunting experience for many young people- however it needn’t be! Presenter Sharon Witt has been working with first year high school students for over 18 years and her key strengths lie in demystifying High School for students and helping them to understand what to expect in the years ahead. Her insight, humour and stories will leave students with a sense of reassurance and a toolbox for starting this next step with ease. This workshop is valuable for students who have recently begun their High School journey and is best run during Term 1 of the school year.

What changes students can expect moving into Secondary School

Understanding the unique structure of High School
How to look after your own health and well being during High School
Key tips for being organised in High School
Why teachers set homework and how to develop key strategies that will ensure you keep on top of your homework
How to make friends and maintain these key relationships throughout school
Common anxieties about starting High School and how to cope with these.

GOAL SETTING STRATEGIES

Achieving Your Best - Goal setting for Life

Goal setting is one of the greatest skills that young people can learn. It is a skill that can be used throughout life and helps us get to where we want to go in life, be it completing a school assignment or making the State Basketball team. During this interactive and highly motivating workshop, students will hear of one young man’s mission to achieve his ultimate goal, and the incredible lengths he took to achieve his dream.

Students will identify some specific goals for the year ahead at school and the next five years.