Year 6 students learn about respect and resilience through health and wellbeing forum

Year 6 students across Geraldton learnt about consent, respect, cyber safety and resilience at a health and wellbeing forum that focused on a variety of topics as they move towards the next stage of life. Geraldton’s Local Drug Action Group hosted the forum, which was held from Wednesday to Friday last week and saw schools coming in each day to receive education from local stakeholders. More than 400 students attended Towns Football Club across the three-day forum, learning about consent, respectful relationships, resilience, cyber safety and transitioning to high school, while also discussing the impacts of bullying, vaping and rock throwing. It was the first time the event had been held since 2019. The organisation’s Sarah Forsyth, who helped co-ordinate the event, said multiple outcomes had been achieved. “We had different organisations coming along to present their core business, and the students are learning as part of their curriculum,” she said. “When they’re hearing it from outside agencies and external people, the message gets repeated and they understand the importance. “If they’re needing support when they get into year seven next year or as they get older, they know they can come to our agencies to receive support because they’ve seen us and understand what we do.” The students also developed their social skills, meeting with students from other schools to build relationships. Ms Forsyth said it was an educational experience for kids, who remained engaged throughout the event.