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

Abstract: This masterclass draws guides participants through a process using systems and design thinking fused with positive psychology to create conditions for everyone within your school community to thrive.  This includes strategies 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.

Biography: Rachel has been teaching the science of positive psychology in education, business and sporting contexts for over a decade to assist both individuals and organisations thrive. Prior to her work in organisational settings, Rachel worked as a psychologist in the education sector, promoting flourishing for individuals managing psychological distress and mental illness. Her work in schools is now focussed on consulting at an organisational level to create the conditions for the whole community to thrive. She is also the designer of the innovative Hope Labs approach, a curriculum that fuses systems science, wellbeing, and neuroscience of learning.  Rachel is also part of the teaching team for the Centre for Positive Psychology (CPP) at the University of Melbourne in both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She is part of the CPP’s Systems Informed Positive Psychology research and practice team and has also been engaged to lead a business case on infusing wellbeing science at a whole of institution level at the University. Her current research focuses on hope theory, purpose and innovation of systems. She is passionate about creating hope for our young people to thrive.

Biography: Andrea is the co-founder of Project Thrive Australia and has quickly become a highly sought after facilitator. Andrea works with schools and organisations in Australia and abroad to co-create the conditions for students, staff and the whole community to thrive through experiential and authentic learning. She works closely with networks of Australian Principals leading them on Education Redesign immersions internationally, fusing design and system thinking with wellbeing science. She has diverse experience, particularly in the field of education, as a primary classroom teacher, school leader of Wellbeing, Learning enhancement, Technology, Gifted Education and as a Deputy Principal. She has a strong passion for the wellbeing and optimal functioning of individuals and her work primarily focuses on personalising learning, metacognition, well-being and neuroscience, and the application of positive psychology through systems leadership. She is part of the Systems Informed Positive Psychology research and practice team at the University of Melbourne.