On Monday 8 August between 6:30pm and 7:30pm, GCC has organised for Melinda Tankard Reist and Daniel Principe to present to our parents, caregivers and the wider community on disturbing new trends among our children and teens. 

The topic is: “Navigating a se*ed-up world: How can we help our children resist harmful messages from media + pop culture and aspire to respectful relationships?” Melinda cuts to the chase and talks about the nitty-gritty of what our children are coping with – hence having to use short forms of some words so they pass robotic sensors. 

Melinda and Daniel will be digging deeper into the pop culture our children exist in and show us the message it sends them and how it is changing the landscape of parenting. 

We’ve noticed the changes in our students over recent years and are sure that you are seeing things in your children that were not an issue or even thought of when you were the same age. We have been relatively protected at GCC, but on her website, Melinda reports disturbing occurrences that are now becoming commonplace in the schools she visits. 

I won’t be going into details here but I would strongly urge you to attend the parent presentation on Monday 8 August so you can learn practical tips and resources to help you raise happy, healthy and resilient young people who value their dignity and self-worth. 

Melinda and Daniel will be addressing our young people during the day and this will be invaluable for our students. Melinda will be talking to our young women on the topic of: “‘Thin, Hot, S*xy’: Helping young women dissect negative cultural messages and rise up to make a difference”. Daniel will be addressing our young men on how to rise above the toxic messages about masculinity and become men of integrity. 

Our Upper Primary students will be taken on a developmentally appropriate tour of messages from social media, culture, fashion, music videos and games to help them understand what they are being taught about their value and worth from these platforms. 

There will also be a combined workshop for senior students with the goal of committing to bringing about the cultural change we all desperately wish to see. 

You can read more about Melinda Tankard Reist and Daniel Principe (here) in the newsletter article we sent out last week.

I would strongly urge you to attend the parent presentation and tell your friends about it. All parents and caregivers are invited regardless of whether their children attend GCC or not. 

This is a free seminar and will be held in our performance hall (GPAC). Even though the presentation is free, it is essential that you book: Book here for Parent Presentation.

Mike Curtis, Principal