All Catholic School Parents, Carers, Principals & School Staff welcome.
A free event to support our children’s learning and wellbeing.

When: Saturday 10 May
Time: 9.00am to 3.30pm
Venue: Ryan Catholic College - Mary MacKillop Performing Arts Centre
Morindo Drive, Kirwan

Morning Tea & Lunch provided 
Join us for the whole day or come along to as many sessions as you can.
Information for parents/carers of all ages - Prep to Yr 12

Guest Speakers: Madonna King & Rebecca Sparrow
Navigating Neurodivergence
Madonna & Rebecca, authors of 'Out of the Box' will lift awareness and build understanding for parents who have neurodivergent kids, for parents who don't, and for teachers and educators who teach them, so that we can create a more compassionate, accommodating world where diversity is understood and accepted.

Guest Speaker: Rebecca Sparrow 
6 Lessons in Friendship
In the 6 Lessons In Friendship session, Rebecca will cover tips like understanding that conflict is normal (but drama is a choice), setting boundaries, not being possessive, handling gossip and side-stepping drama cyclones and the importance of positive connections (have friends AND be friendly).

Guest Speaker: Annette McCarthy 
Manager of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Services, Townsville Catholic Education Office. Supported by the Guidance Counsellor Team

Guest Speaker: Dr Jodi Richardson - Session One 
Empower and Overcome: Transforming Anxiety into Resilience
As parents, we play the most crucial role in supporting our children through mental health challenges, such as anxiety. Whether they face the typical anxieties of everyday life or ones that significantly impact their schooling and overall well-being, there are skills and strategies we can share that will not only help them cope but also thrive. Now, and in the future.
In this relatable and engaging presentation parents learn:
-What happens in an anxious brain
-How to recognise anxiety and know when it’s getting out of hand
-What anxious and/or distressed children need most from their parents
-Practical strategies to help settle anxiety symptoms down
-When and where to seek professional help and more

Guest Speaker: Dr Jodi Richardson - Session Two
Taming Worried Minds: Expanding Your Toolkit for Resilient Kids. Including Q&A
Building on the foundation of Session One, this presentation helps parents deepen their understanding of anxiety and their child’s nervous system, gain valuable insights into managing their own stress, harness the power of parental co-regulation, and learn practical strategies to help their child navigate worry in healthy and constructive ways.
By the end of this session, parents will:-Gain a clear understanding of nervous system fundamentals
-Be better equipped to manage their own stress effectively
-Recognise the contagious nature of anxiety and how to break the cycle
-Strengthen their ability to co-regulate with their child/ren
-Learn a new, practical strategy to support their child/ren with worry
-Expand their toolkit with accessible, evidence-based techniques to foster resilience

https://drjodirichardson.com/