AISNSW K-12 Wellbeing Conference 2024

Building Belonging | Cultivating Connection

‘Building Belonging | Cultivating Connection’ explores the relationship between school belonging and its profound impact on students' resilience and engagement, as well as their social-emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes.

The conference provides the opportunity to increase your understanding of the importance of belonging and connection, and gain practical insights of how to implement, embed and sustain whole-school approaches to wellbeing.

Delegates will engage with respected keynote speakers, delve deeper through masterclasses in the latest research, consider evidence-informed wellbeing practices and hear authentic case studies in the form of school stories as well as pop-ups of practice from colleagues in NSW independent schools. Throughout the day there will also be opportunities to network with like-minded colleagues while considering strategies and ideas to increase a sense of belonging and connection in your school.

We are excited to be featuring an international guest speaker, Dr Denise Quinlan. Dr Quinlan founding director for the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience, a senior adjunct fellow at University of Canterbury, a published academic researcher and co-author of ‘The Educators’ Guide to Whole-school Wellbeing’ (2020).

Last year’s AISNSW Wellbeing Conference was at capacity, secure your place now!

If you have any questions or require further information about the conference please feel free to contact Laura Murphy (Student Services Education Consultant and Social Worker).

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Date: Friday, 5 April 2024

Location: Manly Pacific, 55 N Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

Standard Descriptors: 1.1.3,3.2.3,4.4.3

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International Presenter: Dr Denise Quinlan

Dr Denise Quinlan is acknowledged internationally as a world-class facilitator and trainer who tackles difficult subjects with her trademark humour and compassion, generating hope and practical actions.

Dr Quinlan addresses the urgent need to support leaders to tackle challenge and uncertainty head on. As an award-winning guest lecturer at globally ranked IE Business School in Madrid, Denise has taught Strengths-based Leadership to senior executives from Fortune 500 and leading global organisations.

Special Guest: The Hon Rose Jackson

Rose Jackson is a Labor Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Minister for Mental Health, Housing, Homelessness, Youth, Water and the North Coast. Rose was elected to the Legislative Council in May 2019 and has been fighting for real action on climate change and tackling homelessness and housing affordability.

Rose has also held a variety of roles within the labour and union movement including Assistant Secretary of NSW Labor and as an official for United Voice (formerly LHMU.) Rose lives with her family in Rockdale and is passionate about making our society fairer for everyone.

Keynote Presenter: Associate Professor Rebecca Collie

Rebecca J. Collie, PhD, is a Scientia Associate Professor of Educational Psychology in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales. Rebecca conducts research in the broad areas of motivation, wellbeing, and social-emotional development using quantitative research methods.

Rebecca has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, along with a co-edited book, "Social and Emotional Learning in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.” She is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Educational Psychology.

Keynote Presenter: Dr Emily Berger

Dr Emily Berger is a Registered Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Educational Psychology and Counselling. She is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and a Board-certified Supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. She has worked as a psychologist and researcher for over 15 years, addressing development, wellbeing and mental health of children, parents and families. Her research focuses on the nature and extent of childhood trauma and trauma-informed interventions to support children and families impacted by trauma. 

Keynote Presenter: Dr Annie Gowing

Dr Annie Gowing has a background in both social work and education and has been active in the area of student wellbeing within schools and in policy development for over 25 years, beginning her career as a secondary teacher before largely working in student support and leadership roles. Her most recent school role was as Deputy Principal at a small rural P-12 school in Victoria. Prior to that appointment, she worked in the Victorian Department of Education, a range of secondary schools in Queensland and Victoria, at James Cook University in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Education Program, at The University of Queensland and at RMIT.

2024 Wellbeing Conference Program

Explore full list of session details and speakers appearing at the 2024 Wellbeing Conference.

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