​Introduction of Positive Education in Empower K-10

This year we are proudly launching our EMPOWER program across Kindergarten to Year 10.

The EMPOWER program has been extended from 7-10 to incorporate our school wide adoption of Positive Psychology and now will be taught in K-6 for the first time.

Positive Psychology provides the underlying framework for the EMPOWER Program at Dominic College and forms the foundation from which we draw upon in teaching and guiding our students towards flourishing.

Four of the major aims of Positive Psychology are:
1. Rise to life’s challenges, make most of setbacks and adversity
2. Engage and relate to other people
3. Find fulfillment in creativity and productivity
4. Look beyond oneself and help others to find lasting meaning, satisfaction, and wisdom (Keyes & Haidt, 2004)

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE IN K-6 & 7-10?

In K-6 the EMPOWER program is a mixture of units from Bounce Back, Health and Positive Education. It is a timetabled class once a week and is scoped and sequenced accordingly.
In 7-10 the EMPOWER program will maintain existing strong programs such as Rock & Water and The Rite Journey but now has numerous Positive Education units included in the curriculum.
Term themes (Kindness, Mindfulness etc) will be across K-10 and heavily focused upon during assemblies throughout the year.

WHAT WENT WELL

In the student diaries there is now a place for students to record their positive experiences throughout the week. This re-focusing on the positive experiences instead of the negative ones is critical in students learning to overcome their own natural negativity bias. Please encourage your child to take the time to positively reflect on their week. It could be a great task to do together.

It is an exciting time at Dominic College. We look forward to taking the first steps on this journey together with all of you.

EMPOWER Year 9 Rite Journey Parent Information Night

Next Thursday night 11 February the EMPOWER Team are holding a parent information session for all students and parents undertaking The Rite Journey in Year 9. It will be held in the Savio Centre and will begin at 7.00pm. This information session will outline details about the program and the various upcoming events and we feel is essential for all Year 9 students and their parents to attend. A letter with further details was sent out this week.
Mr Andrew Pritchard - Director of Pastoral Care K-10