Today’s adolescents are growing up in a world vastly different to that of any generation that has preceded them. Life in contemporary New Zealand and greater Australasia features “cultural pluralism, increased anxiety about personal and environmental risks, precarious employment, rampant consumerism, the information deluge, greater individualisation and increased instability in families” (Hughes, 2007). It is within this societal context that we are aiming to facilitate the journey of our students toward resilient adulthood.
This year at LAC we are planning on running two Invictus programmes simultaneously. The Year 9 & 10 Invictus Programme is designed to equip students with a skill set that allows them to maintain a sense of positive wellbeing in the face of life’s challenges. The programme is built upon a strong theoretical framework, which takes advantage of Dr Martin Seligman’s seminal work in positive psychology by engaging students in a four-stage journey towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
Integral to this experience is the Year 9 & 10 kayaking and tramping expedition. For Year 9 this will be taking place during week 8 of this term, with our Year 10 class departing for their expedition in term four. The Expedition will be co-ordinated by Mrs Korte and Mr Rashleigh, but will be led by qualified guides and kayaking experts from Marahau Sea Kayaking, taking place in the Abel Tasman National Park. Please stay posted as there will be more information in the near future in regards to these trips.
For more information on the Invictus, visit: http://theinvictuswellbeingprogram.com/
Mrs Olivia Korte, Invictus Co-ordinator
Mr Samuel Rashleigh, Invictus Teacher
Mr Brendan Van Oostveen, LAC Principal