On the Coast – Families Issue 101 I August/September 2019 | Page 36
It's Cool to Connect
Cool Connections in School Program
BY NIKKI SZABO
A group of students filled
with energy and excitement
run in to the classroom.
Sitting in a circle, some smile,
while others have their heads
down and the apprehension
of the unknown brings
butterflies to their stomachs.
Creative materials are set up
on activity table ready for the
first session of the eight-week
Cool Connections program,
which is all about the
connection and belonging.
Curious, a couple of them ask,
“what are we doing here?”
The connection begins.
The students let their individuality and
creativity go wild with unique projects
they show off with pride. They all share
resources, encouraging each other and
voicing thoughts and ideas, watching
and learning creative techniques along
the way.
Each session starts in the ‘sharing
circle’ with each student (including
facilitators) telling the group about
something positive that happened in last
week, creating a positive mindset for the
session. They see the similarities and
relax. Showing off dance moves, laughing
and ‘me too’ moments connect them all as
they create together. Then students are
encouraged to use their new journals to
reflect on something they liked and learnt
about, before heading back to class.
Cool Connections in School has a
focus on achieving the ‘Seven Cs of
Resilience’ - Competence, Confidence,
Connection, Character, Contribution,
Coping and Control.
The program, delivered to Year 5 and
Year 6 students, has proven to enhance
these areas and achieve positive self-
worth, generate a sense of connectedness
to teachers and peers, for students who
have attended.
Research shows the key attributes of
resilience in children and young people
include social competence, optimism, a
sense of purpose or hope for the future,
connection to family, to school and to
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O N T H E C OA S T – FA M ILIES
learning, problem-solving skills, effective
coping skills, understanding of their
values, and positive self-regard.
In our modern world, there are a
range of external influences that have
an impact on children and young people.
Social media, bullying, family breakdown,
poor diet, body image pressures and
the pressure of success. These types
of concerns are often raised by the
students in the sharing circles and are
also addressed in the session topics
allowing the experienced facilitators
to encourage safe, open conversation,
brainstorm problems-solving ideas to
address any concerns. Any major issues
are communicated directly to the school
for further consideration or action.
The eight-week program was initially
developed to address issues such as social
exclusion, anxiety, and low
self-esteem, but now covers
a broader scope. In 2018, 21
programs were delivered
to Central Coast primary
schools. The impact of the
Cool Connections program
can be seen by teachers
and by the participants
themselves.
“To observe a group of
students, go from being
really reserved, nervous
and withdrawn, to this open
group of kids, talking about
their feelings and sharing
insights, has been beyond
a highlight for me,” Blue
Haven Public School teacher Claudia
Campbell said.
From the students:
I can talk to people easier. I am more
confident’
‘I am much happier, happier than I
have been in a really long time’
‘I am more positive about myself. Now
I can stand up to people’
‘I am happier, I don’t cry myself to
sleep as much as I use to and I am
braver’
‘When people say negative things, I
don’t get as upset’
‘I loved the way you always told us to
find our bright side because I think I
found it.’
‘Thank you for everything you
do, you have taught me to use my
imagination, to create.’
Cool Connections in School was developed and is facilitated by Iris
Foundation, a local charity which works to build hope, resilience and
connections in the community.
More information is available on direct request from schools to
Executive Officer, Sue Liptrott – email [email protected].