Life Education Queensland Pulse - June 2021 update

LIFE EDUCATION QUEENSLAND PULSE June 2021 L- R, Life Education educator Janet with students from Coomera Anglican College, Life Education Queensland CEO Michael Fawsitt and college head of student development Ben Campbell outside the Life Education van.

lifeeducationqld.org.au

Table of contents 03

Update from Life Education Queensland CEO Michael Fawsitt

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Laying the foundations for respectful relationships

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Bullying impacts people from all walks of life

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Our Queensland media impact

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Healthy Eats grows in the southeast

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Healthy Eats in North Queensland

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Healthy Eats accreditation

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Life Education reaches the remote north west

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Specialist educators join Talk About It program

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Life Education Queensland Pulse June 2021

Update from Life Education Queensland CEO Michael Fawsitt Welcome to this issue of Life Education Queensland Pulse a quarterly news magazine highlighting the work of Queensland’s largest NGO delivering health and wellbeing education to children.

It’s been a busy and exciting year so far at Life Education Queensland, and we’re delighted to share some of our recent success stories with you.

As a charity whose mission is to empower children across the state to make safer and healthier choices, we feel privileged to engage with more than 200,000 children in schools each year.

So many people help make this possible… our hard-working team of staff and volunteers, our valued funding partners, and our donors.

Recently, more than 1,600 Queenslanders – individuals, families and schools - signed on to support a new Life Education Queensland fundraising campaign, the Healthy Harold Hundred to stamp out bullying and violence.

Their efforts raised an incredible $90,000 to help fund LEQ’s respectful relationships programs.

Also in this issue, • Award-winning place-based nutrition program Healthy Eats gets underway in four primary schools in southeast Queensland as the program continues to thrive in north Queensland, • Our educators return to remote schools in Doomadgee and Weipa to deliver Life Education – leaving a big impression on the regions’ primary school students, • And two specialist educators join our sexual health and relationships team.

There’s plenty to be excited about, and there’s also so much work to be done. Supporting children to be healthy, safe and resilient is a huge task. Parents, schools, the charitable sector, business, government – everyone has a role to play to build communities where children can thrive. As always, we thank the Queensland Government, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Communities for Children, North Queensland PHN and our many Kids Protect Team donors.

The personal stories participants shared with us about standing up to bullying were truly inspiring and demonstrate the need for ongoing targeted programs to continue to address bullying in schools. See the full story on page 6.

Life Education Queensland Pulse June 2021

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LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS At Life Education, we’ve seen a growing demand for our programs targeting social and emotional learning and resilience – reflecting timely community conversation about consent issues and respectful relationships, along with the need to address rising anxiety levels in children and young people.

Schools are also telling us about the increasing prevalence of bullying.

We know that one in four Aussie kids is affected by bullying and one in five children experiences cyberbullying, and more than a million children are affected by domestic violence.

Working with schools to empower children with the social and emotional skills to address these issues, is more important than ever.

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Life Education Queensland Pulse June 2021

It’s why our recent fundraising event, the inaugural Healthy Harold Hundred urged Queenslanders to walk, run or ride 100ks over 20 days in May to raise funds to help tackle the growing problem of bullying and violence.

From Cooktown and Mt Isa to Bundaberg and the Darling Downs, hundreds of Queenslanders of all ages laced up their joggers to take part and help raise funds to stamp out bullying. And we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.

Thanks also to our amazing ambassadors Nine News presenter Eva Milic and parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson for getting behind the Healthy Harold Hundred campaign.

Like many parents and teachers, they too, want to build a better future for the next generation.

Dr Justin Coulson: “We can all imagine how tough it must be for kids who are bullied each day, not only at school, but online. For victims of bullying, getting through each day can be like climbing a mountain.

Life Education Queensland ambassador and parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson supporting the inaugural Healthy Harold Hundred challenge

“The Healthy Harold Hundred is a great way to get fitter with family and friends, but also help raise vital funds for Life Education Queensland’s respectful relationship programs – and has there ever been a more important time to teach young people about the importance of respect for self and others?”

Eva Milic: “Parenting can be pretty tough going, especially in this digital age. Raising happy, healthy, kind and resilient children is my greatest hope... and I know that’s much easier said than done!

“That’s why Life Education programs have always resonated with me.

They’re age appropriate, engaging, and give our kids invaluable lessons on everything from bullying to social media and fostering positive relationships. You know the saying: ‘it takes a village.’

“If parents, schools and the Life Education community can keep working together, I believe, we have the best chance of bringing up well-balanced children.”

Life Education Queensland ambassador and Nine News presenter Eva Milic

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BULLYING IMPACTS PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE We were overwhelmed by the many Healthy Harold Hundred challenge participants who were willing to share their stories of being bullied at school, or in the workplace.

Their powerful stories demonstrate that the emotional scars of bullying often last long after the bullying experience has ended.

Tristan on a mission to help educate and empower kids Sunshine Coast personal trainer Tristan Oort was urged to sign on for the Healthy Harold Hundred by his girlfriend and fellow fitness trainer Sky, but his passion for the cause came from his own experience with bullying.

“During my youth, I was a skinny redhead with white skin, so I was bullied over that,” Tristan said. “I feel like the whole redhead, ‘ranga’ thing isn’t as much of an issue these days but when I was growing up going through primary school and high school, I did get bullied a lot - and my sister too just for having red hair.”

“Getting into sport was my way of coping with it. I became the guy that was always winning age champion; always winning the athletics carnivals – so that took a bit of pressure off me.”

Tristan is one of 8 million children Australia-wide who have experienced the Life Education program, and the messages still resonate.

“It’s just one of those things you remember as a kid. It was one of the highlights of primary school, having that experience and getting a couple of hours out of class to go and sit in the van and learn all those important things with Harold.

It’s something we can all relate to.”

Tristan, 27, ran 300 kilometres over 20 days, digging deep to go the extra mile to raise money to support Life Education Queensland’s respectful relationships programs in schools.

“I have clients with kids in primary school and high school having a hard time with bullying. Through running kids’ classes at the gym, I know of children who have had to be home schooled because they were experiencing bullying.”

Healthy Harold Hundred participant Kriquet Thompson

Kriquet stands up to bullying Having seen relatives experience the trauma of bullying during their primary and high school years, when Kriquet saw a story on the news about the Healthy Harold Hundred, she signed on for the challenge straight away.

“Just seeing the effects bullying has had on so many people that I love, it just makes it so much more real,” Kriquet says.

Healthy Harold Hundred participant Tristan Oort

“Having to see someone who is such a strong representative in your life, covered in bruises, is an awful thing. Bullying can have an extreme impact on a person’s mental health too, and that has a big impact not just on the person being bullied, but their family as well.”

The 100-kilometre event was also a great fitness challenge for the 23-year-old, who has a degree in paramedicine and is studying paediatric nursing and mental health.

Despite a recent knee reconstruction, she said raising money for Life Education Queensland’s respectful relationships programs in schools was a crucial motivation.

“Especially now with social media, it’s not just at school that children experience bullying, it can continue for them when they get home,” Kriquet says.

With fond memories of the Life Education program from her own primary school years, Kriquet wants other children across Queensland to benefit from health and safety education, and strategies to deal with bullying online and face to face.

“It’s so important that young people have the support, whether it’s from programs like Life Education or a strong network of family and friends. It can make all the difference to a child who is going through a difficult time.”

You’ve got a friend in me: Jenna goes the distance to stamp out bullying Ten-year-old Jenna Shanks is a youngster keen to spread the message that we can all say no to bullying.

The Logan Year 5 student signed up for Life Education Queensland’s Healthy Harold Hundred challenge - after seeing friends targeted by bullies.

“One of my friends was picked on a lot for things they said and the clothes they wore,” Jenna says.

“People would gossip and say mean things to my friend – sometimes to their face, sometimes behind their back.”

“It’s not nice to bully. It can hurt people mentally and physically. It might stop them from concentrating in school because it’s always making them scared while they are at school.”

Like tens of thousands of Queensland children, Jenna participates in the Life Education program when the iconic mobile learning centre visits her primary school – learning about health and safety, strategies to deal with bullying and the keys to respectful relationships.

With the Healthy Harold Hundred challenge boosting funds for Life Education’s respectful relationships programs to reach more children, Jenna didn’t hesitate to sign on and help others.

“It’s nice to raise money for something that helps kids stay safe from bullies and teaches them how to act around bullies. Life Education has also taught me about how to deal with cyberbullying,” Jenna says.

Life Education Queensland Pulse June 2021

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OUR QUEENSLAND MEDIA IMPACT Our recent media coverage highlights the continued impact of Life Education Queensland’s work in the community, as we partner with more than 800 schools and preschools each year.

Brisbane Broncos ambassador and former Origin legend Justin Hodges joined Healthy Harold and Bribie Island mother and daughter Kate and Lily for the Healthy Harold Hundred launch

The Life Education program featured on national breakfast show, Sunrise 8

Life Education Queensland Pulse June 2021

Rebecca McMahon and some of her Ipswich Eagles teammates are taking part in the Healthy Harold Hundred to raise awareness of bullying.

Bullying cause at heart of 100km effort Natalie Fletcher 29th Apr 2021 Ipswich Eagles Aussie rules player Rebecca McMahon is swapping the footy boots for the sneakers in an effort to raise funds for a state anti-bullying campaign.

The talented sportswoman and mother of two girls is joining a quartet of ladies who will tackle Life Education’s Healthy Harold Hundred, which invites Queenslanders to walk, run or ride 100km from May 5-24.

Ms McMahon said it was a great opportunity to give something back to her community.

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Pictured: Life Education Queensland’s award-winning Healthy Eats program has expanded to schools in southeast Queensland

HEALTHY EATS GROWS IN THE SOUTHEAST Healthy Eats, Life Education Queensland’s exciting new program focused on increasing veg and fruit consumption in primary school aged children, is now being delivered in several southeast Queensland schools.

Ipswich East, Riverview, Gaven and Eagleby South State Schools have adopted the Healthy Eats program, with more southeast schools expected to come on board as the program grows.

Facilitated by Life Education Queensland’s community development officers and supported by our own resident nutritionist Jaclyn Coffey, the innovative Healthy Eats program spans the full school year and works with schools, parents and community partners, to provide a whole school, place-based approach to healthy eating.

We can’t wait to work with these new schools to help grow healthy minds and bodies.

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Life Education Queensland nutritionist and community development officer Jaclyn Coffey

Year 5 students at Hampden State School, Mackay, enjoyed creating their own healthy snacks during their Healthy Eats classroom session.

HEALTHY EATS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND “That was the first time I’ve ever tried cucumber. I was surprised that it was so yummy,” Year 5 student, Molly said.

Students not only enjoyed the taste of the healthy snacks but were amazed to learn how their bodies use the vitamins and nutrients from eating healthy foods.

Jack, from Year 5 was particularly intrigued.

Meanwhile, Healthy Eats continues to influence the healthy choices of Year 5 students across Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.

Take Mackay’s Hampden State School for example, where children enjoyed creating their own healthy snacks during their recent Healthy Eats classroom nutrition workshop.

“It’s so cool learning about all the vitamins.

I want to learn what areas of the body Vitamins A, B, C and D go to, and what they all do,” said Jack.

Year 5 student Nathan was also impressed by the vitamins and nutrients journey.

“Wow, that is seriously crazy how they (the nutrients) all travel so far!”

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HEALTHY EATS ACCREDITATION Healthy Eats schools that work towards creating a ‘gold standard’ healthy school food environment and become fully Healthy Eats accredited will be eligible for a range of great rewards including: • A one-off grant of up to $1000 to be used to support healthy eating within their school.

• Use of the official accreditation badge on all promotional material online and in print.

• Recognition as an accredited Healthy Eats school on the Life Education Queensland website.

• School spotlight on the Life Education Healthy Eats website and social media channels.

• Profile of the school Healthy Eats student leadership team on the Life Education Queensland website and social media channels.

• Official school accreditation presentation by Healthy Harold.

Find out more about the Healthy Eats program, the accreditation process and rewards available to your school at lifeeducationqld.org.au/ healthy-eats/.

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Educator Sue teaching the program to students at Doomadgee State School

LIFE EDUCATION REACHES THE REMOTE NORTH WEST Each year, Life Education travels thousands of kilometres to deliver the program to the most remote corners of the state, as part of our commitment to ensuring that Queensland children can access vital health and safety information no matter where they live.

Despite the logistical challenges reaching these isolated locations, experienced educators Brad and Sue have visited two remote communities this year – Doomadgee and Weipa – and the response from children and teachers has been incredibly positive.

Students from kindy to Year 6, learned about everything from healthy foods, taking care of the body and the harms of smoking, to how the human body works and how to care for the lungs, heart, digestive system and brain.

Senior educator Sue said visiting Doomadgee – with a population of only 1400 people – was an experience like no other.

“By taking the Life Education program to a remote area like Doomadgee, we are able to provide support to the services that are on the ground all year round and reinforce positive messages about healthy food and looking after the body.”

Educator Brad has now visited the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire three times to deliver the program.

“The community is remote: there’s only one small food store, mail arrives only twice a week, and getting there is quite a challenge, so being able to reach children and reinforce important messages about tobacco, alcohol, drugs and nutrition is important,” Brad said.

With Indigenous communities like Doomadgee often facing unique challenges, and social and health inequities, plus limited access to school incursions, the visits have a big impact. One Doomadgee teacher described the Life Education experience as transformational: “The kids could not stop talking about their experience throughout the day and even during the week. They were so amazed at what the organs look like! We believe you run a wonderful program that is vital to the students’ education about their body and how to lead a healthy life.”

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SPECIALIST EDUCATORS JOIN TALK ABOUT IT PROGRAM

Anne-Frances Watson

Charlotte Fatnowna

Relationships Educator

Relationships Educator

Life Education Queensland’s popular puberty, sexual health and relationships education program for upper primary and secondary students, known as Talk About It has gained two specialist educators.

In Townsville, Anne-Frances Watson has joined the program as a sexual health educator, bringing a wealth of experience. Anne completed a PhD in media studies, before joining Life Education, focusing her research on adolescent sexuality and sex education, examining what young people knew about sex and where they were getting their information from.

A speaker, academic and published author, she specialises in sexuality education, adolescent sexuality, young people, gender issues, traumainformed practice, social justice and equity.

“It’s important that young people have access to the right information to support their sexual health education,” said Anne.

“By equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make safer and healthier choices, we can help to reduce teen pregnancy and STI infections, as well as empower young people to enjoy safe, healthy and respectful relationships throughout their adult life.”

Educator Charlotte Fatnowna, who joins the Talk About It program in Mackay, is also an accomplished educator having worked as a primary school teacher in Victoria and the Northern Territory for 10 years.

Both educators will be an asset to Talk About It, which covers a range of topics including body safety, identity, diversity, building resilience, puberty, friendships, navigating relationships, and conception and birth.

Find out more about the TAI program at lifeeducationqld.org.au/our-programs/talkabout-it/.

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Life Education Queensland 89 Sunshine Boulevard Broadbeach QLD 4218 PO Box 247 Pacific Fair QLD 4218

07 5572 0166 qldmarketing@lifeeducation.org.au www.lifeeducationqld.org.au ABN: 17 760 280 660