The benefits of building resilience through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness are growing across Far North Queensland school communities, as the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys continue their rollout of The Resilience Project in the region.
Interest in the program is spreading in the Cairns region as more schools get on board with the Cowboys, with schools opting in for the versatile delivery model that can fit seamlessly with work and activities already being done in the classroom.
Former Cowboy and community programs officer Ray Thompson recently visited Cairns schools showing a keen interest in implementing The Resilience Project, to showcase the ease with which it can be adopted and its positive outcomes.
White Rock State School have recently joined the program, and Ray dropped in to speak to students, teachers and the school leadership group about the rollout and to share strategies for introducing The Resilience Project to ensure participation that leads to results.
Principal Dan Dalziel said his school is fully committed to implementing The Resilience Project, which he hopes will provide a universal approach and language in the wellbeing space.
“We’ve already connected with Bentley (Park College) and some other schools around Cairns, and the work that we’ll do next will be how we’re going to implement and build capacity around the program,” he said.
“I think the four things, GEM and emotional literacy are really important, and I really like the fact the program can value add into pre-existing things.
“With this program, we’re looking at a shared common approach across the school and also with our school community, boosting and value adding to the other things we’ve already got in place.
“Student and community engagement is one of our priority areas this year, so we see The Resilience Project as essential in advancing that.”
The Resilience Project, supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, uses a combination of presentations, wellbeing journals, school curriculum, teacher diaries and the program app to build resilience and happiness through the program pillars of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.
Mr Dalziel said the connection with the Cowboys further adds to the program’s appeal.
“It’s pretty clear with Ray, his depth of knowledge and passion around the program.
“The communication not only for the kids but with the leadership team and staff was spot on so it’s been really important in bringing a focal point to the program and creating some energy and enthusiasm,” he said.
Schools throughout the Cairns and Tablelands regions are already reaping the benefits of the program including Woree State School, Woree State High School, Balaclava State School, Whitfield State School, Cairns West State School, Bentley Park College (Primary & Secondary) Herberton State School, Mareeba State High School and Mount St Bernard College reaching thousands of students.
Ray also spoke with Redlynch State College on his recent visit north about implementing the program in their school.
