In the month of March, Health Promotion Service ran a full day of face-to-face professional learning for Central Coast schools. The content was developed in response to the expressed needs of local teachers.

Fifty attendees, representing 18 primary and high schools, four Local Health Districts and 11 health and wellbeing service providers, came together with the shared goal of fostering student health and wellbeing via supportive strategies at school.

Guest speakers included subject matter experts from The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation NSW (ACHPER NSW), Dhinewan Mentoring (Aboriginal cultural learning experiences), The Embrace Collective (body image), and Department of Education’s School Sport Unit & Secondary PDHPE Curriculum Team.

The day opened with thought-provoking keynote sessions from Kylie Burton, The Embrace Collective and Jono Wright, Dhinewan Mentoring. Kylie shared practical insights on supporting positive relationships with food, movement and body image at school. Jono provided strategies for embedding Aboriginal cultural activities into learning environments so that cultural connection is valued, wellbeing is prioritised, and every student is encouraged to step confidently into their potential.

Primary and secondary teachers then attended specialised streams, focusing on curriculum updates and best-practice physical activity teaching methods from the School Sport Unit (primary and secondary), ACHPER NSW (primary) and Department of Education Secondary Curriculum.

There was a Health and Wellbeing Services lunchtime expo that was manned by CCLHD services: Health Promotion, Mental Health, Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit, Oral Health, School-Link, Sexual Health Drug and Alcohol, and Public Health Immunisation Team, as well as Life Education, OzHarvest and Medicare Kids Hub. The room was a-buzz with vibrant discussion and connection.

Attendees responded very positively to the day, as demonstrated by the feedback below:

Teacher testimonials

“I thoroughly enjoyed the PL [Professional Learning] today. I feel like I am walking away with lots more knowledge and practical ideas that I can implement in my classroom.”

“Thank you!   It was great to come away with some new ideas, and all of the presentations were really valuable and worthwhile.”

“Some great resources and useful take aways to implement with both staff and students!”

Health Promotion Service would like to thank our subject matter experts for presenting on the day, the health and wellbeing service providers for running valuable expo stalls and the Central Coast teachers who attended with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a shared commitment to supporting physical activity, health and wellbeing in their schools.

For more information and updates on future workshops for Central Coast schools, contact:

Be sure to sign up for the Live Life Well @ School newsletter and/or Healthy High Schools e-updates, where you’ll find free resources, information, and upcoming professional learning opportunities to support school staff, students, and their families.

We hope you can join us next time!