Global Chair of IPEN and Principal of Ravenswood School for Girls, Dr Anne Johnstone, and Ravenswood Head of Positive Education and Visible Wellbeing P-12, Mrs Kate Barbat, presented to approximately 500 staff and parents at Mentari Intercultural School in Jakarta, Indonesia, sharing their valuable experience in the research and practical implementation of wellbeing science in education.
“It is so encouraging to see the support for Positive Education in Indonesia with the pioneering work of Mentari Intercultural School, and the strong recognition of an inextricable link between academic achievement and wellbeing,” says Dr Johnstone who designed and implemented award-winning Positive Education programs and initiatives over her decade-long tenure as Principal of Ravenswood in Sydney, Australia. “We are thrilled to share our insights and strategies for embedding the science of wellbeing in schools, including in the pedagogical approach, supporting rich learning and teaching experiences. We are excited about the opportunities for young people to fulfill their potential and flourish through Positive Education in this region.”
Mentari Intercultural School is the first school in Indonesia to officially adopt a Positive Education program, an approach that closely aligns with the policies of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikdasmen) who have renewed their focus on character education and student welfare since the global pandemic.
Sunny M. Reyes, Senior Principal at Mentari Intercultural School, welcomed the collaboration with IPEN, acknowledging the research-based benefits a Positive Education approach has on academic accomplishment and student development, equipping young people with the positive life skills to face global challenges.
“For our educators, the Appreciative Inquiry workshop and other presentations were an eye-opener, reinforcing their essential role in fostering student happiness and flourishing,” says Mr Reyes. “Teachers left with a renewed understanding that their impact extends far beyond the classroom. With her inspiring presence, Anne carefully and tactfully facilitated discussions, addressing and processing parents' and teachers' questions and misconceptions about Positive Education. Her thoughtful approach not only clarified the importance of wellbeing but also strengthened our collective commitment to fostering a culture where students can thrive holistically.”
The International Positive Education Network (IPEN) aims to assist educators globally in implementing effective Positive Education practices that support whole communities to flourish. For further information on how IPEN can support your educational community, please connect with us here.
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