Merici College would like to thank Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families for his visit to the College yesterday. Justin spoke to our Year 12 students about overcoming the 3 Ds - doubt, distraction and drudgery, telling them that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. He suggested that the way to overcome self-doubt is to decide. He also spent time with our Year 8 students, talking to them about respectful relationships. Justin emphasised the importance of being an upstander not a bysander and spoke about why it is seemingly ‘cool’ to be disrespectful, explaining that adolescents do more harmful things when their friends are doing them.
Staff also enjoyed the opportunity of attending a presentation on the topic of tricky conversations, highlighting the importance of relationships. Justin reminded staff that the word discipline actually means to teach, to guide and to instruct. He talked about the importance of affective statements which force empathy and alternative perspectives.
Our evening presentation with members of our community was well attended. Justin’s presentation aligned with his 4th book, Miss-Connections, which is all about raising teenage girls. He provided advice and guidance to parents on developing a better understanding of teen daughters and deepening connection with them. Drawing on psychology research, along with interviews and surveys from approximately 400 teenage girls, Justin shared his insights from teen experiences and the challenges they face with social media, friends, boys and identity.
Merici College looks forward to our ongoing relationship with Justin, planning for his return to the College with the ultimate aim of helping our young people thrive.
