THOUGHT LEADERS Stimulus for thought and discussion
So far this year, we have enjoyed a number of informative and, at times, challenging talks presented to the College community under the banner of Thought Leaders and Parent Information evenings.
journey and what he has learned that might help others. In Term 3, College parent and educator Dr Lucy Hone and Director of Wellbeing & Positive Education John Quinn introduced parents to the concepts of positive education and wellbeing. They explained what these concepts are, how they are based on rigorous research from the field of Positive Psychology and why they should be taught at Christ’s College. In August, our guest speaker was highly regarded US-based sociologist Michael Kimmel, who is among the leading writers on men and masculinity. Michael speaks at many conferences and TED talks on the subject of men and gender equality. His talk at College explored why gender equality is a positive thing for all.
at the start of the year, to signal that both school and home were beginning the journey of “raising strong happy sons from boyhood to manhood”. Richard and Ruth provided readings from the book, along with anecdotal insights from their experience as parents and with the Big Buddy organisation. Old Boy Matthew Johnstone presented our final event for Term 2. Matthew is an acclaimed writer and illustrator of books dealing with issues surrounding mental illness and the importance of mental health and wellbeing. His first book, the international bestseller I had a Black Dog , provides an easily digested insight into living with and managing depression. His talk, “Tough and Up”, set out to explain his personal
Professor Helen Chenery from Bond University on the Gold Coast was our first guest. She presented a discussion around adolescents, digital technology and mental health based on her medical research background, and offered some practical solutions to the issues parents face with regard to digital devices. Kaila Colbin returned with an update on the Singularity University work around exponential technologies and, once again, offered challenging projections of what our world will be like in the not-too-distant future. Then came a wonderful talk from Richard Aston and Ruth Kerr, authors of Our Boys . Executive Principal Garth Wynne gave each Year 9 parent a copy of this book
Richard Aston and Ruth Kerr
Michael Kimmel
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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