Year 9 students welcomed guest speakers from Your Choicez! They led students through a Connections that Count seminar. David Kobler spoke to the boys and Beck Neale spoke to the girls. The program is designed to:

- Develop an understanding of key terms such as image-based abuse, sexual harassment and coercion.
- Gain a thorough understanding of the concerns, dangers and legalities surrounding the issue of sexting.
- Understand the powerful role of empathy and encourage students to be upstanders rather than bystanders.
- Evaluate the unhealthy belief that their value is determined by the way they look and reframe value to be more than skin deep.
- Gain an understanding of the popularity myth and the power of true friendship:  what science has to say about quality friendship over quantity.
- Consider the impact of social media and the way it can be affecting their understanding of themselves and the way they view relationships.
- Reframe asking for help as a positive course of action and a sign of strength. Identify the key personnel in their world they can turn to for help.

Year 9 students listened respectfully to the speakers and participated in discussions, activities and the completion of reflection questions in a booklet. The seminar was a fantastic opportunity for students to further consider these issues and further equip themselves with the tools to cope with the pressures of modern living.

Mrs Fiona Byrne
Year 9 Advisor