Last Thursday, the 17th February, Year 11 students participated in a seminar centred around life choices for young men with guest speaker Brent Sanders. Mr Brent Sanders spoke with all of Year 11 about decision making and consequences as well as respectful relationships and the topic of consent. Three key elements addressed in the presentation were:
- Taking responsibility for yourself and your actions
- Life is all about choice
- The importance of respect and self-discipline
The workshop also included an in-depth discussion around sexual assault, indecent assault, consent and respect within relationships.
Brent is highly regarded speaker across education systems in Australia and his history working in the Police force gives him great insight into risk taking behaviours, poor decision making and the law. More information about Brent can be accessed at – https://www.brentsandersconsulting.com.au/schools-universities/
Brent delivered an honest, confronting and direct presentation on aspects relating to sexual assault, peer pressure, mob mentality, decision making, self-esteem, alcohol abuse and making poor choices when driving. He delivered factual understandings of the ACT Crimes Act as well as legal definitions particularly relevant to consent. Parents and carers of Year 11 students are encouraged to discuss this seminar with their sons and any questions or queries they may have relating to the content.
This week, during the Year 11 Formation Period, students will partake in a follow up session and further discuss some of the topics raised during Brent’s talk. With so much of Brent’s content being relevant for our young people now, especially in the media, this is a good opportunity for our young men to engage in meaningful and honest conversations. To keep the conversation going, Brent has put together podcasts entitled “Consent and Consequences”, which discuss and look into a range of issues around consent, sexual assault, indecent assault, sexting etc. All the information is presented in a factual, conversational and straightforward way very much designed for a senior secondary school audience. The podcasts can be found on any podcast platform (Spotify, The Podcast App) by simply putting Brent Sanders name in the search box.
Brent also has these podcasts available in video format on YouTube, which can be found by searching Brent Sanders name. There are also TikTok clips which can be accessed by putting official.brentsanders into the TikTok search box.
It is so important that we all regularly have these conversations with our young men, to help guide them in their decision-making processes.
Ms Monica Day
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing