The beginning of this term saw Andrew Fuller join us for a series of talks for staff and parents. Andrew is a clinical psychologist who works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally. A fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne, Andrew has been a principal consultant to the national drug prevention strategy REDI, a consultant to the ABC on children's television shows, is an ambassador for Mind Matters, and is a member of the National Coalition Against Bullying.

On Monday Andrew spoke to the staff about the importance of building resilience in themselves as educators in order to better help the students in their care. He also spoke of the latest information in brain research and how to apply this to teaching practices to ensure good outcomes. 

On Tuesday evening, Andrew spoke to parents about how to create resilient families and build resilience in our children. He describes resilience as the "fine art of being able to bungy jump through life. The pitfalls are still there but it is as if you have an elasticised rope around your middle that helps you to bounce back from the hard times ". He emphasised the importance of communication and gave some useful tips for both mothers and fathers about how to communicate with their daughters (and their sons), bearing in mind that men and women communicate in very different fashions. He also talked about the importance of developing the skills of sequencing, memory and concentration in young people to give them the best chance to succeed at school. These skills are often developed through such simple pastimes as jigsaws, playing cards or board games, spending time talking to children, sharing watching their favourite TV show or film, or playing games with them - and these also teach children how to lose. He emphasised that we can never say "I love you" enough to our children.

Andrew is a charismatic speaker who made all his audiences think hard about the issues he was discussing while enjoying his practical and very amusing approach. His books are excellent and they can be ordered from his website. Please find the resilient families handout attached.