A short introduction for families
Peaceful Teens Building practical wellbeing skills for Year 8
8-WEEK PROGRAM
Marcus Missio-Spiteri • Terase Killin College Counsellors
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WHY THIS MATTERS
Growing up can be a lot to manage. Today's teenagers are navigating more than just school.
SCHOOL
FRIENDS
Academic pressure & expectations
Friendships, belonging & conflict
ONLINE
LIFE
Social media & constant connection
Sport, family, change & emotions
The goal isn't to remove stress.
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
It's to help students handle challenges with more awareness, resilience and confidence. 02
THE APPROACH
A toolkit for real life. Evidence-based practices, adapted for teenagers.
MINDFULNESS
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
NEUROSCIENCE
Understanding how the teenage brain responds to stress.
PEACEFUL TEENS
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
SELFCOMPASSION
Students learn skills they can practise — not just information to remember.
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MINDFULNESS
What does it actually mean? It isn't about emptying your mind.
Mindfulness is... Paying attention to the present moment
PAUSE
Notice → Breathe → Choose
Noticing thoughts and feelings Pausing before reacting
A simple moment between what happens and how we respond.
Approaching experiences with curiosity
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
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EIGHT WEEKS
Small skills. Repeated practice. Lasting tools. Each session builds on the one before it.
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02
03
04
Mindfulness & relaxation
Teenage brain & stress
Difficult thoughts & emotions
Self-compassion & positive self-talk
05
06
07
08
Resilience & healthy coping
Communication & relationships
Putting the skills together
Personal wellbeing plan
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
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WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO
This is practical, not just theory. Students will practise the skills and connect them to everyday situations.
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2
3
4
DISCUSS
PRACTISE
REFLECT
APPLY
Talk through real-life situations
Try mindfulness & regulation exercises
Notice what works for them
Use strategies outside the session
By the end, students create their own personal wellbeing plan.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Why these skills are useful. They can support students at school, at home and in relationships.
FOCUS
→
Concentration
NOTICE
Emotional awareness
→
PAUSE
Stress management
→
CONNECT
→
Relationships
BOUNCE
Resilience
The aim: more choice in how students respond to life's challenges.
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
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FOR PARENTS
You don't need to be an expert. A little curiosity at home can reinforce the learning.
1
What did you learn this week?
2
Was there anything that stood out to you?
3
Have you tried any of the strategies we discussed?
INTEREST • LISTEN • ENCOURAGE
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
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AT HOME
You may hear some new language. That is a good sign — students are building a shared wellbeing vocabulary.
Mindfulness
Breathing
Emotional regulation
Resilience
The most helpful response is often simple:
PEACEFUL TEENS • ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE
Self-compassion
“Tell me more.”
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THANK YOU
We're looking forward to working with your sons. Our hope is that students leave with practical skills for greater self-awareness, resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Marcus Missio-Spiteri • Terase Killin College Counsellors
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