The unit description states: Students initiate ways to support themselves and others ... they identify organisations and key people who can assist in various ways ... students develop problem solving techniques to work through challenges and they recognise how their sense of self impacts on their decisions, behaviour and ideas about the world.

But the learnings from this unit became much more than the stated description. As Year 9 investigated, and then presented a person of choice who had overcome adversity, each class gained a better understanding of how to bounce forward with resiliency skills. The students discussed and explored personal strengths, characteristics and qualities that enable one to cope with or overcome an adversity. Year 9 also reflected on what they had learnt about these inspiring people to then apply to their own future challenges and to see them as opportunities to grow. As the girls presented their people of choice, Tanya Savva, a mother of a special needs child, who is a mentor to me, came to mind. She has inspired me to be a better version of myself through my adversity and this is why I have started Thoughtful Thursdays, a small mediation group open to all students. Tanya presented her story to the whole school at assembly and inspired our students. Her brief biography is below and I encourage you to reach out to her and purchase her book if you are interested.

https://www.tanyasavva.com/the-adventures-of-kenzie-moo

Tanya transformed her life to align with her passions when she became a single mother to her daughter who is blind and autistic. She left her career and life in Sydney to travel Australia in a caravan with her daughter and has since become a Women's Empowerment Coach, author and yoga and mindfulness teacher. She runs retreats for special needs mothers that bring women together and supports them to live life full of joy, despite adversity. She is also the author of "The Adventures of Kenzie-Moo", a true story inspired by her daughter during their caravan travels.

Maria Boulatsakos - Year 7 Coordinator