Nurturing Wellbeing: Sixth Annual Optimism and Resilience Conference

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Today, and I do feel a little sad about it, was our sixth and last ‘Resilience and Optimism’ Staff Development Day Conference at the Nan Tien Temple. It is time for renewal and in 2015 our school will find a new venue and approach to our last day of the school year. However, today was a fitting swansong for the event.

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The last six years have been fantastic. The ambience at the temple is wonderful and we have had some great keynote speakers who have given us good food for thought at the end of each challenging year. The workshops, more often than not have been really fun and stimulating. Today was no different and commenced with tai chi.

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Our focus was on improving wellbeing through motivation, both personal and professional. Dana Perlman gave an amusing keynote which had the audience laughing along with him. I am sure the delegates have some food for thought about what motivates us and why. The school will take up on Dana’s kind offer to work with our students in 2015.

creative commons licensed ( BY-NC-SA ) flickr photo shared by Darcy Moore

There was, as always, a good variety of workshops exploring drumming, mindfulness, health apps, personal and professional motivation. Thanks to Catherine Ramos for taking the time to work with our staff in the meditation hall. It was much-appreciated.

There was also the opportunity for new staff to explore the grounds with a guide while reflecting on the first year(s) at the school.

Congratulations to our award-winners – Merrideth McGregor (Innovation), Troy Koghlin (Teaching & Learning), Michelle Quine (Community Service) and Andrew Horsley (Wellbeing) – for their work. These highly esteemed colleagues were nominated and voted for by their peers. They are all truly motivated, inspiring people.

Next year the school will have leadership award as a new category and indeed, our school has a rich abundance of leadership talent.

Fond wishes to all the staff who are taking up new positions in 2015. We all hope you have the best of luck in new schools and offices!

creative commons licensed ( BY-NC-SA ) flickr photo shared by Darcy Moore