2024 Ravenswood and Knox Grammar Student-Led Wellbeing Conference

The Ravenswood School for Girls and Knox Grammar School Student-Led Wellbeing Conference will offer emerging student leaders the opportunity to participate in a student-led workshop series where they will explore wellbeing strategies underpinned by the science of positive education that can be applied to both individual and collective wellbeing. The workshop themes for the 2024 conference include topics such as 'Unleashing the power of agency', 'The impact of sleep on concentration and cognition', 'Unpacking the impact busyness on productivity', and 'The power of self-talk in unlocking motivation.'

The keynote presentation will be led by David Bott, best selling author, consultant and Director of The Wellbeing Distillery as well as Matthew Johnstone, author and illustrator of "I had a Black Dog." Students will learn about the power of imagery, empathy, and conversation in relation to wellbeing and learn ways to ask questions, to listen deeply, and to share their thoughts about the most important wellbeing issues. 

At least one accompanying staff member is required for students to attend.

The Teacher Professional Learning Stream includes a 90min workshop with David Bott, to explore a range of practical tactics that teachers can implement to support their own wellbeing and further their growth as professional educators. David will inspire you to consider ways to prime your day, build connection, foster resilience, manage stressful moments, enhance engagement, and prioritise self-care.  This will be galvanised by some Professional Learning Circles as part of a Community in Practice.

The conference would be most beneficial for students in years 10-12 and at least one accompanying staff member is required for students to attend. 

All enquiries to Kate Barbat, Head of Positive Education, Ravenswood School for Girls.  kbarbat@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au.

DAVID BOTT

David Bott is a sought-after speaker, author and education consultant who works with government organisations and some of the world’s leading schools to help guide wellbeing vision and strategy. As an expert in applied wellbeing science, David has supported thousands of educators from hundreds of schools around the world in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing and cultural change.

David is the Co-Founder and Director of The Wellbeing Distillery, based in Melbourne, Australia. David sits on the UAE Government’s Dubai Future Council for Education, is a Director on the PESA (Positive Education Schools Association) board, and has published in academic journals and industry periodicals. David’s bestselling book, 10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And How We Can Get Them .Right was published in 2020. 

David has led significant projects, partnering with government and non-government organisations, to embed wellbeing science in school systems in the UAE and Hong Kong. 

David’s current work is informed by his five years as Associate Director at the Institute of Positive Education and his 15 years of practical teaching experience in Australia and the UK where he held senior pastoral and academic leadership positions.

MATTHEW JOHNSTONE

Matthew Johnstone is a former advertising creative who spent 15 years working for some of the top agencies in Sydney, San Francisco, and New York. 

He has authored nine books, many of which have been local and international best sellers. Through his company, Drawn from Experience, he creates educational programs, easy to understand imagery, and videos on mental health and wellbeing for schools, communities and the workplace. 

Matthew is a respected public speaker who has given talks worldwide, including a keynote at the World Health Organisation in Geneva. He is also the Co Founder and Creative Director of 'Here's a Thought,' a mental health and wellbeing program for schools.

Matthew's work has been endorsed by Stephen Fry, Edward de Bono, and the World Health Organisation. 

His simple desire in life is to kick start important conversations and to make a complex world easier to understand.