Am I a resilient person ?

Article posted February 3, 2010 at 06:12 AM GMT0 • Reads 292

Everyone will encounter some difficult times throughout their life. It is impossible to avoid these challenging times. Some examples include: disappointing exam results; poor performance on the sporting field; relationship break ups; missing selection; families relocating; death of somebody close to you.



Resilient people, though devastated by these trying occasions, are able to find a way to ‘bounce back’ and continue to live their normal lives. On many instances these difficult times become important learning events that build inner personal strength.



For your first ‘blog post’ I would like you to write whether you feel you are a resilient person or not. Use some of your own life examples to back up your answer.

Premiere Elements 7

Article posted February 23, 2010 at 08:57 AM GMT0 • Reads 185

On Thursday, 18th February 10D PDHPE started work on their first assessment task for 2010. A number of students from this class were invited to attend the year 7 camp. Great to see the number of leaders in 10D PDHPE.



Students who attended class were shown examples of year 11 and 12 digital movies / slide shows that illustrate what your task is aiming to achieve.



Using Premiere Elements 7 you will create a slide show / movie clip on resilience. You have been given a youtube clip on how to get started with Premiere Elements. More information is provided in your assessment task forms (yellow).



Students who were absent are reminded that catching up on work missed is your responsibility. This assignment is due on the final week of this term. I am very happy to help anyone who is having trouble with the program. See me early. Do not leave it until the due week.



I would like you to 'blog' about how you are progressing with this assignment.

Fitness Tests

Article posted February 23, 2010 at 09:04 AM GMT0 • Reads 49

On Monday 22nd February 10D PDHPE participated in a number of fitness test. It was a very hot day, so the Beep Test was postponed for another day.

The following tests were conducted:

Hand Grip

Standing Long Jump

Sit Ups (30 seconds)



Write a post about how you performed in these test. If you did not participate in some or all the tests your post should explain why.



Remember that there will be no PDHPE workbooks this year. Your workbook marks will come from the posts you write on your blog.

Stigma

Article posted June 5, 2010 at 04:52 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all" - Bill Clinton



Stigma is the mark of shame or disapproval given to a group of people by society, which labels them less worthy of respect and support than others.



Individuals who experience mental health issues are often faced with discrimination that results from misconceptions of their illness. As a result, many people who would benefit from mental illness services often do not seek treatment for fear that they will be viewed in a negative way.



400 million people worldwide are affected by mental illness. However, only 20% of them reach out for treatment.



Despite the increased knowledge of mental health in our society, stigma related to mental health has continued to intensify. Knowledge of mental illness appears by itself to be insufficient to dispel stigma.



Many people with mental illness say that the stigma and prejudice associated with their illness is as distressing as the symptoms themselves. In a recent Australian survey, people with mental illness in their families said "less stigma" was the number one thing that would make their lives better" ((B. Hocking, 2003).



Stigma contributes to loneliness, distress and discrimination against people with a mental illness and their families.



How you can fight stigma

We can all do our part to reduce stigma and make life easier for the millions of people who struggle with mental illness. Here are some ideas:

1. Educate yourself about mental illness. Having the facts can help you challenge the misinformation that leads to stigma.

2. Be aware of words. Don't reduce people to a diagnosis. Instead of "a schizophrenic," say "a person with schizophrenia." Correct people who use hurtful language to describe people with mental illness, such as "psycho" or "crazy."

3. Challenge media stereotypes. Write letters to any newspapers, TV or radio stations that promote negative portrayals of people with mental illness.

4. Support those with mental health issues. Treat them with respect. Help them find jobs or housing. Encourage them to get or stick with treatment.

5. Share your story. If you or someone in your family has had a mental illness, speak up about it. Your example could help someone else.

(Mental Health Foundation of Australia - Victoria)



Blog any experience you have had regarding mental illness. How can you play your part in dispelling stigma attached to mental health?

A Perfect Moment

Article posted August 7, 2010 at 05:23 AM GMT0 • Reads 351

People as old as I am have a bank of perfect moments. I am not a very good surfer, but I love to surf. Surfing in the Northern Beaches can be very frustrating because of the crowds. I often heard my friends talk about surfing in Bali. One day I decided to go.



My trip to Bali coincided with huge cyclones around the area. Waves were too big for me, and not just me. I visited Uluwatu, a famous surfing destination. There were only two men surfing giant waves. The rest of the crowd, including me, could only watch in awe.



I finally got the nerve to surf at a beach called “Dreamland”. This was meant to be a tame beach. Eager to catch a wave I got caught inside and was smashed by a monster wave and was injured. It took me two days to recover. I went shopping instead of surfing.



I met some friends who recommended a place called ‘Medawi’. I took a three hour drive to Medawi and arrived late in the night. I noticed many tourists leaving that evening. I was hesitant to get amongst the waves in the morning because I was all alone. After a few minutes I regained my confidence. I am a ‘goofy footer’. Medawi had long perfect lefts. I was in heaven.