Co-Creating the Conditions to Thrive:  A Systems Informed Positive Psychology (SIPP) Masterclass
Andrea Downie & Rachel Colla,University of Melbourne

“Systems leaders achieve seemingly impossible changes by tapping the collective intelligence, spirit and energy of their people.” Peter Senge There is no doubt that Australian society is working hard to promote wellbeing and prevent mental illness, particularly through education. And yet, without question, the mental health crisis for our young people continues to escalate. The reality is that in spite of a growing body of evidence of the short-term impact of wellbeing in education efforts, we are facing some daunting systemic challenges. Continuing to do what we are currently doing but doing it harder or smarter is not likely to produce very different outcomes. Real change starts with recognizing that we are a part of the systems we seek to change…..and the knowledge and skills to work within this to create systemic change. This masterclass draws will guide participants through a process using systems and design thinking fused with positive psychology. It is designed to equip you with tools to take a systems approach to creating conditions for everyone within your school community to thrive. This includes strategies to enable you to map the larger system in which you are trying to effect change; build generative and collaborative conversations; and move from reactive problem solving to co-creating the future. Trialled with 48 Principals and schools across Victoria, this unique approach has demonstrated sustainable and energising growth. If you are seeking to kick start real systems change, or to deepen your efforts to embed positive education within the fabric of your school community, then please join us to develop your capacity for systems leadership. This experiential workshop will challenge your thinking about how we currently educate, provide effective tools that you can utilise in your own practice, and share key insights from schools that are co-evolving towards thriving using this approach.