CHARACTER & WELLBEING MANifesto programme hits the mark
The MINDfit and MANifesto programmes are two important wellbeing initiatives introduced at College to ensure every boy has his own unique “road map” to help him flourish.
information, and guest speakers have reinforced the messaging. “Paul Dillon’s address was excellent and I think the boys really took a lot out of it. It was giving us knowledge, but at the same time showing what can happen if you don’t make the right choice or sensible decision,” says Tim. He also liked the sessions on mental health and the need to recognise anxiety and stress. Former counsellor Wiremu Gray spoke about the number of boys he’d seen for those issues. “And it normalised it for me. I realised there is no stigma attached to
going to see the counsellor. The important thing is to understand what constitutes a good level of stress and what is too much.” The session on mindfulness – taking time to reflect – was also an eye opener for the boys, whose lives are so busy with schoolwork, sport, music and other interests. “The fact that we’re all there listening to the same messages means we’re all on the same page, so you won’t be ridiculed if you speak up,” says Tim. One of the highlights of the MANifesto programme for Louis was when former Head Boy of
Year 13 student Tim Cross and Year 12 student Louis Gunn are among the first boys to benefit from the MANifesto programme and have no doubt about its merits. “For a start off, looking at life after College, it has given me a lot of help with my university applications. It’s meant that I have worked in character strengths in a way I wouldn’t have even thought about doing previously,” says Tim. Having identified social intelligence, humour and leadership as being among his strengths, Tim has incorporated subtle and sometimes overt mention of them in his curriculum vitae and in scholarship applications. “It just means that people will have more of an idea of the kind of person I am.” For Louis, the sessions on leadership have struck a chord. “Especially with Year 13 coming up. It’s been great to hear in Mr Thatcher’s sessions about what we can do next year in the leadership framework, how we can best seize the opportunities out there – and it’s just been great to feel really encouraged to do it.” As seniors, both boys say sessions on drink driving, drugs, respecting women and consent offered valuable
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