Bookings for our expanded schedule of 2022 Be Wise educational presentations are filling up fast!
With face-to-face sessions in classrooms and sports clubs throughout the state on again, we’re presently locking in details for venues right across Melbourne as well as a range of road trips outside the city this year.
Why schools are booking in our presentations
This week – for the first time – we’re off to Benalla in the Goulburn Valley for two days of presentations to high school students there.
According to Benalla Flexible Learning Centre principal Brad Hearn: “Understanding anger and aggression and learning to deal with emotions in a healthy way are important skills that all people need to live a successful life.
“This program provides students with the opportunity to understand emotions and themselves, whilst learning to deal with situations as an adult and violence free,” he said. “Pat’s story is heartbreakingly tragic and powerful and knowing this story can broaden students’ understanding of their place in society.”
Benalla P-12’s Faithfull Street Campus has booked in three presentations to around 170 students in Years 10 to 12, and regards the sessions as an extension of its programs to promote kindness within the school.
Student Welfare Officer Lou McCloskey said: “I can recall Pat’s story on the news when it happened, and as a parent I was touched by the tragedy.
“Now as a school community, we are committed to encouraging safety, kindness and respect. That includes raising awareness of the risks of violence and giving young people the tools to avoid it.
“We hope the message the students take away from Pat’s story will help them understand what they can each do as individuals to contribute to a safe community.”
Upper Yarra Secondary College: The foundation’s Ben O’Toole visited the college this month, with its Wellbeing Coordinator Tracey Smedley remarking: “You could have heard a pin drop during the presentation”.
“Students listened intently as Ben shared Pat’s story and reflected on the ongoing impacts of social violence on the victim, perpetrator and wider community,” she said.
“The presentation has also given teachers a powerful story to draw upon when talking with students about violence, and we hope to have the foundation back in the future.”
Whitefriars Catholic College: Principal Mark Murphy, who is also the Foundation’s first education ambassador, says: “The power of the program lies in the authenticity of the story.”
“The fact is that Pat was caught up in an awful moment when his only motivation was to support his mates, and that could happen to anyone,’’ said Mark, pictured above.
“While the presentations highlight Pat’s story, they also use positive messages to encourage students to think about how they can help keep themselves and their mates safe, while they navigate potentially challenging environments.
“I’d 100 per cent recommend the program to any school.’’
Book a Be Wise education presentation
The Pat Cronin Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people never to use violence. For more tips, book here for one of our informative educational sessions – free and specially designed for schools, sports clubs and community organisations. Think carefully. Act kindly.
The Pat Cronin Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people never to use violence. For more tips, book one of our informative educational sessions – free and specially designed for schools, sports clubs and community organisations. Book here or email us at info@patcroninfoundation.org.au Be wise. Think carefully. Act kindly.
