NEW Open Road Thoughts to Get Happier Posters are now part of the Get Happier School program for Grade 2 onwards.
This new set of 10 powerful affirmation and problem solving posters will provide a reference point in each classroom for students to use these effective mindsets to reflect and problem solve with a little support from their teachers. Each behaviour incident becomes an opportunity to problem solve and be creative within the boundaries of the Open Roads. I hope that you will be able to discover more uses for these posters that help children develop a growth mindset and reinforces all they are learning in the program.

Find out more about the new Poster set here.

With teachers, children and families facing such extreme challenges, it is great to have new schools commencing the Get Happier journey. I recently helped launch a new Get Happier School in Gorokan, NSW, and in spite of the many challenges faced, I was refreshed and inspired to see the energy, excitement  and commitment of the staff as they introduced the program.

The staff are also adjusting their behaviour management policies and procedures to reflect a move towards helping their students learn the skills of self-management. I continue to be grateful every day for the teachers who are teaching and extending the program in order to prepare children for the future.

Wahroonga Public School in Sydney is also commencing the Get Happier journey in July, and I am really looking forward to spending some time with the staff as we launch the program.

I am also spending 4 days of training with some incredibly creative teachers at Mudgeeraba Special School on the Gold Coast, and with Crest Secondary School in Singapore.

DOXA school, a secondary alternative setting in Bendigo are extending their use of the secondary section of the program. This school has been operating with a Choice Theory focus for some years now, and are continuing to experiment and add to the program.

I attach this link from the Glasser Institute for Choice Theory in the USA. It provides a rubric for becoming a Glasser Quality School! This can be a great self evaluation tool for your school, and because you are already implementing the Get Happier School program, you have already met most of the key criteria. Do get in touch with me if you wish to follow this up to obtain this endorsement.

Would you like a challenge for this year that will REALLY increase success and happiness in your class?

If so, identify your 2 most challenging students and use every open road habit, consistently, every day, even in the face of resistance. At the same time pull out of any dead end road behaviour. Relax, enjoy the journey and see the change!

The program is full of strategies for problem-solving. Check them out in the toolbox, the new card set and charts, and teach your students the skills of self-management.

Don’t forget to support new staff with an orientation to the program via the website videos, and the training videos in the subscriber area!

First of all, thank you for the incredible effort you are putting into supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children, staff and parents in your school, especially in these challenging times.  This knowledge is so valuable and sets young people up to manage their lives and feelings constructively, not only at school but in their future too.

The latest research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute found a growing number of children are lacking basic skills, including empathy, the ability to make friends and how to cope with change or disappointment.

Overscheduling, helicopter parenting and social media are contributing to the problems. Pediatrician and senior researcher at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Professor Harriet Hiscock, says COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation. 

She says that school programs are desperately needed to help children learn to understand and manage their feelings, improve relationships, and solve problems independently and constructively. This is precisely the program that the Get Happier School program teaches, and you and your school are contributing in a big way by teaching these skills to your student and families.

A special welcome to our newest schools, Gorokan Public School in NSW, and Grades 4 and 5 at Chua Chu Kang Primary School in Singapore! I am always ready to chat with you about any issues, learnings or additions you are making to the program, so don’t hesitate to contact me.

Welcome to our new powerful set of affirmation and problem-solving cards.

The Open Road Thoughts to Get Happier Cards contain the growth mindsets and
affirmations that increase happiness, resilience and wellbeing, and
improve relationships.

Includes 10 cards and simple to use instructional guide.