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NICOLE Wilson and Alisha Timms are more enthusiastic about school and themselves, thanks to creative, confidence-building programs being run at Bundaberg High School. Jane Marin’s “Me” classes are not only giving joy and purpose to dozens of Bundaberg women, but instilling friendship and confidence in our teen girls.
Wide Bay North Centre for Learning Management’s Kate Frawley said students had blossomed under a number of creative activities introduced at Bundaberg High, designed to increase confidence and connectedness, and the “Me” classes taught by Jane were high up on the list of favourites.
“The About Me classes are extremely beneficial to our young people as they teach them about their social and emotional well-being, which in turn improves their learning outcomes”, Principal Raelene Fysh said.
Nicole and Alisha, both 14, jumped at the chance to participate in the six-week course.
“You can put your feelings into your pages”, Alisha said. “The course has encouraged me to come to school and has improved my attendance. I now enjoy my time at school more because I’ve got to know people I didn’t know before.” Nicole said the course had “helped her to open up and express her feelings.”
The girls said they each looked at their book most days because it reminded them of the good times they had doing the course. If something went wrong during the day, they could look back and remember something fun and it made them feel good.
Kate said the course was designed for students who were struggling with various issues. “Teens really do have a hard time today so this course is ideal for them to gain confidence and know themselves better, to know it’s okay to be themselves”, Kate said.
“We do a lot of ripping of paper during the sessions and this is very cathartic. Some of the topics are very challenging, for example, the girls really struggle to figure out ‘what makes me happy’ during that topic session.”
Bundaberg High has implemented various non-traditional courses at the school to help youngsters gain confidence and explore and accept their individuality. Activities include belly dancing, modelling, yoga, cooking, juggling, camping and building fishing rods.
“There are strong systems in place in the schools to help children to relax and feel comfortable in the school environment”, Kate said.
Raelene said improving the personal growth of students was a priority for Bundaberg High.
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