Annual Wellbeing and Resilience Conference
Establishing a very well received and attended Annual Wellbeing Conference in the Spring Term. It takes place with over 65 delegates from a range of schools, organisations, governors and community. The conference is open to school leaders as well as other organisation who would benefit from share good practice. It is free of charge.
It comprises of a key note speaker, presentations from experts and refreshments throughout the day.
Aims
Seaford's Wellbeing and Building Resilience Conference was held the day after World Mental Health Day. The conference was about sharing ideas and put the spotlight on wellbeing and building resilience. It was a day for leaders in education, to take time out of their busy lives, to reflect on the day-to-day challenges they face both at school but also in their personal lives.
A previous guest speaker Michael Caulfield spoke about; wellbeing, rest and recovery, sleep, developing confidence and how to cope with the range of demands placed on people in all walks of life. He shared his experience and insights from his work supporting a number of teams, organisations and athletes in elite sport. He shared what he's learnt from working with teams and players in the Barclays Premier League as well as international and domestic cricket.
Michael said: “the greatest strength you can have is to ask for help. Surround yourself with people, in and out of your circle to have private and confidential conversations."
He then challenged the audience to think about, "Where do you off load? In our mad fast paced world people need to offload and talk. Everyone needs someone."
Michael then asked our guests to reflect: "Talking is the most important thing we do, where your pupils, children, and you offload?”
He quoted Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp: “Everything we do in life is about relationships.”
Our guests then took time to discuss the topics of conversation that they thought Michael discusses in his coaching sessions with elite sports people and coaches.
Michael said: "The conversations I have are never about sporting technique the topics include; career development, depression, the fear of failure, divorce, miscarriages, online trolling, anger, grief, the pressures of looking after family, controlling emotions, the highs and lows of sport, to name a few. They are successful, healthy and good at what they do and these are the topics they want to talk about."
One Headmaster reflected and said: "You can have money, a successful career and celebrity status but still have the same issues that we deal with in schools. We deal with many of these topics a teenagers grow up."
Michael concluded and spoke about the importance of a good night’s sleep: "I've never seen people more tired than they are now, we all need good sleep, nothing is more important than sleep."
As one Headmistress said: "I'm really pleased I took the time to come today, Michael was a fantastic speaker and a lot of what he said resonated with me. I'm going to start by encouraging my students and colleagues to make time to take a walk in the fresh air, talk and get a good night's sleep!"
Michael's presentation was followed by a talk about the importance of good nutrition and diet for mental health in children. Our guests were then treated to a delicious lunch featuring all of the foods that are essential for wellbeing.
The afternoon was a chance for Seaford College's Pastoral Care Leaders to share best practice within the College. We heard from students and members of staff about pastoral support and wellbeing at Seaford. This was followed by an informal session where everyone shared ideas and discussed the themes from the day.
Background
The Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team with the full support of the School Governors identified an opportunity to host Wellbeing and Building Resilience Conference for school leaders (from primary to secondary schools - both independent and state) as well as organisations who would benefit from sharing practice
The conference was so well received Seaford College is intending implement as an annual event.
Resources
Follow up with attendees as well as expand the invitation list for the following year. Continue informally sharing good practice and creating a network of school leaders and other organisation. The conference was free of charge and held in the Johnson Centre - performing arts venue to allow for large presentations as well as round table group discussions.
Impact
The conference was well received by the local community and encouraged the school to host on an annual basis.
Pupil Involvement
The conference was aimed a school leaders and organisations which would benefit although Headgirl and Headboy spoke at the event.
Frequency
Annual, one day conference. Ongoing.