Last night Barley Ward-Thomas, a 52-year-old father of three and Stud Manager of Godolphin, was in Sydney for business and thought he’d make the most of the opportunity offered by WTAW to attend an information evening with Professor Martin Seligman who is widely regarded as the godfather of Positive Psychology.
Barley joined more than 30 others from the Upper Hunter (mostly teachers & most of whom jumped on a mini-bus provided by WTAW after school, arrived home at midnight & then fronted up to teach our kids this morning – cos that’s how their commitment rolls!)
Here’s what he had to say about the experience:
“It completely opened my eyes. I’m not a sceptic, but you do hear a lot of these catch phrases about ‘wellbeing’ and from a practical point of view I wasn’t sure what that all meant.
“I now see how important Positive Education is – it’s basically future-proofing our children’s mental health.
“I even see the importance of this education for my own generation and the generation below me so we can all influence the future.
“Martin explained the science behind your own happiness and how interlinked it is to your personal life, your family life, your professional life. He explained that our level of optimism is directly linked to general health but also to our life expectancy. In short – pessimism is very unhealthy.
He also explained that optimism is something that can be taught.
“I never understood the intrinsic link between your own wellbeing, your health and the effect of your wellbeing on others.
“It was remarkable and I have an even greater appreciation for just how essential Positive Education is for the future of our children.”
Barley’s words are MUSIC TO OUR EARS!!! His experience is exactly why we want as many parents and carers to join us for Professor Lea Waters’ information evening on Strengths Based Parenting on Monday 12 August, 7pm at Scone RSL Club.
Prof Waters learnt from Prof Seligman & she provides practical ways we can implement the science of Prof Seligman. It is a huge coup to have her coming to the Upper Hunter.
Please share Barley’s words and sign up to come along.
Our thanks to Ravenswood School for Girls – Official Site– who hosted last night’s evening with Prof Seligman – and who helped subsidise costs for our teachers to attend. This ‘paying it forward’ attitude is part of the reason why Prof Seligman acknowledged them as the leading girls school worldwide in Positive Education.