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Taking Action on Inequity: Leading Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Facilitator: Dr. Chris Bowden

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Session 1 : Wednesday 29 Sept, 1.00pm - 3.30pm, on Zoom
Session 2: Tuesday 26 Oct, 1.00pm - 3.30pm, on Zoom

The Loop invites school leaders and those in a position to influence change to attend a series of two Forum sessions focusing on Taking Action on Inequity: Leading Trauma-Sensitive Schools.   The sessions will be led by VUW trauma education expert, Dr. Chris Bowden.

Overview and Purpose

Significant numbers of students are affected by trauma, negatively impacting their behaviour, relationships and academic performance, and impacting the wellbeing and retention of staff.  “Trauma-sensitive schools” have policies and practices that increase equity for trauma-surviving students and reduce stress on staff.  This Forum series is a chance to learn about the need for a whole-of-school approach to building a trauma-sensitive school, and in doing so, find ways to reduce inequity for students.

Session 1: Building and leading trauma-sensitive schools (Wed 29 Sept)

Chris will share a roadmap, framework and tools for implementing a school-wide, trauma-sensitive approach. This session will cover:

• Trauma and how it affects students and staff.
• The rationale for, and how to implement, a school-wide trauma-sensitive approach.
• Tools designed to help assess readiness, build capacity, support students and staff, and apply a trauma-lens to reviewing policies, processes and practices. 
• Facilitators, barriers and first-steps to building trauma-sensitive schools. 

Session 2: Applying and sustaining a trauma-sensitive approach (Tues 26 Oct)

Chris will provide attendees with an opportunity to share reflections, ideas, initiatives and progress on  their school’s journey to building a trauma-sensitive school, including discussion of:

• Work in progress, actions/strategies that leaders are planning, or have tried.
• Successes, challenges, problem-solving and solutions.
• Resources needed to take next steps, and ways to work collaboratively for ongoing support.
  
  
  

About Dr. Chris Bowden

Chris is a lecturer at the School of Education, Victoria University.  He teaches in the area of child and adolescent development; the impact of trauma on learning and development, trauma-informed education and counselling; and conducts research on trauma survivorship, grief and loss. 

You must register to attend: please register ASAP using this link: Registration Form 

Afternoon tea will be provided.  Attendance is free of charge.