Your Say

Kids Say...

"I learnt not to be shy when the teacher asks a question and not to be shy to put up my hand. Aussie Optimism has really boosted my confidence to get in conversations with people I don't usually talk to. Next year in high school it will be easy to meet and make new friends."

"I learnt that we can feel different things in different situations and I realised my family can feel different than me in the same situation."

"It's great that the pupils get to act so they know how the situation really feels."

"I learnt about all the people in my network and how many there are. I am surprised."

"I used the look for evidence module because I blame everything on my brother, but now I look for evidence before jumping to a conclusion."

"This program was very enjoyable. It has helped me to understand and cope with different things. When I get angry or stressed I flick through my book for advice. Even my mum says that I am getting better at coping with things."

"I learnt our body tells us things. Watch for early warning signs and relax."

"Aussie Optimism gave me a chance to express myself and get my parents involved. It's given me many ways to overcome my problems."

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Parents Say...

About the classroom-based programs...

"Since participating in this I have seen a change in my son's dealings with his peers. He now has learnt to deal with difficult situations in a positive way."

"I believe this is one of the best programs offered in school for a realistic outlook on real world emotions and relationships. Thank you Aussie Optimism and staff."

"I think its positive having packages like Aussie Optimism to be able to reflect on what we are doing as parents and how we can approach situations with our children in more constructive and positive ways. A way for both child and parent to stop and think about how we can deal with situations, emotions etc. in our everyday life."

"I think this is a great program for Year 7 children - it makes children think about their actions and how it will affect other people."

"I found the program very helpful and encouraging, especially with parent and teenager communication. Thank you. We all need this program in the times that we are in."

"My son is a very shy and quiet boy, however he spoke to me about Aussie Optimism and initiated discussion. He also uses the strategies taught when he gets anxious and I have agreed to pass these on to the nurse at high school."

"I have noticed that my daughter has dealt with some peer pressure and bullying lately without catastrophising, and the issue was resolved by her without too much intervention by me. I think the program has helped her in many areas over the last few years. Thank you."

"My child regularly comments about doing the relaxation exercises she was taught. I think the course did a lot for her."

"My daughter started this year lacking in confidence and not socialising with other school children a real lot. Now she has gained more confidence and has friends at school! Still needs to gain a little more, but is a different girl to last year!"

About the Parents and Families program...

"A wonderful program, helps the child and parents to cope with everyday life situations. Thank you."

"Found it reinforces my skills as a parent and offers ways to improve skills also."

"We have been working at home on "working together as a family team" and being positive with each other. The boys have shared info they learnt with their 14 year old brother. It's great to have the back up from a school run program. Thank you."

"A very good read. A booklet we will definitely hold on to. A very useful reference book which will come in very useful over the next few months."

"Thank you so very much. We are relocating to Victoria and our daughter is facing not only secondary school but a new environment. The day I asked my daughter "what is your greatest fear about high school" we moved to a different level and expelled lots of myths and fears. Again thanks."

"We enjoyed doing the program together. I can see how it's important to discuss our feelings as a family rather than keeping them bottled up."

"I don't have any family around to ask for advice, so I found the program really useful in that sense.���

"It's a program I can see myself going back to when there's a problem. A great resource to have in the house.���

"I wasn't that motivated to do the program at first because my child doesn't have any problems, but after looking at it, I found it really helpful. There are some good ideas in it."

"I've really made some changes to the way I've been parenting, not big things, but I do reflect more on what's working and what's not working now."

"A great initiative. Wish I had it for all my kids."

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Schools Say...

About the classroom-based programs...

"Very informative, practical use in the classroom, playground and outside school. Non-threatening role-plays that can be used as set or adapted easily for classroom use, able to implement easily to existing programs and build on school ethos and community."

"There were positives as a result of relaxation techniques. The children were more focused and settled."

"Children actively used the strategies at home and at school to solve problems. It helped me too. A child with Down's Syndrome loved it, understood it and helped his younger brother to be assertive and negotiate. Outstanding."

"I could see a positive influence on social skills with just these 3 modules. Many of the children at the Intensive English Centre come with limited ability to resolve problems. Aussie Optimism helped to show them more effective ways to deal with issues."

"It's well set out, it made me stop and think about my communication skills with the kids. I was also able to have a better rapport with them and talk about how I feel and how it affects how they feel."

"I really enjoy teaching it and the teacher handbook and student workbook are very clearly set out and easy to follow. Suggestions e.g. miming, emotion cards, role playing, problem solving great! With the material provided it doesn't take a lot of effort or work to get started and I feel it is important that the teacher is enthusiastic and excited about the activities as well. Sometimes I feel like a motivational speaker with the class but it certainly has gained their enthusiasm and attention. Role playing is vital as well as group work and discussion! It will make me GROW as a person as well."

About the training workshops.....

"The workshop was motivating and very well presented with a good mix of practical and theoretical activities. It made me feel that I could approach difficult topics with my students with confidence to be able to offer support where needed."

"This is the most valuable and enjoyable PD I have attended in a long time. I found the focus highly relevant and the modules/format is simple, fun, easy to follow and potentially very exciting,"

"I had total faith in the knowledge, experience and professionalism of the presenters - heaps of opportunities to interact positively with other participants - and really got to know many of the strategies-excellent workshop format and superb course materials."

"I really enjoyed the workshop, it provided me with the tools and strategies needed to help my Year 7's cope with the transition from a small primary school to a large high school."

"Friendly, non-threatening, full of relevant information, great opportunity to network with other teachers."

"This was a very good and well paced workshop. The materials are highly relevant and teacher friendly. Great to have a good psychologist presenting."

"I think I will benefit as much as my students will! Improving the mental health of my students is very important to me. The roll on effects could, and will be enormous!"

"Great material. Resources and plans ready to use. Fantastic facilitator who promoted a relaxed and safe environment for all to share in."

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