On behalf of the PESA Board of Directors, a very warm welcome!
Recent years have seen a rapidly growing number of schools and educators across Australia and internationally doing outstanding work embedding Positive Psychology into their programs, with the aim of improving student wellbeing and academic performance.
The Positive Education Schools Association is a group of such schools, educators, academics, parents and community members who are committed to greater collaboration and sharing of expertise in Positive Education, and the benefits to students and the community that will inevitably ensue.
What a privilege it is to be part of an inclusive, collaborative community eager to share ideas and learn from each other. This is the at the heart of Positive Education and our willingness to ‘pay it forward’ is a critical element of the growth of this field.
Our Association is fortunate to be supported by global leaders in the field – Our Patron, Professor Martin Seligman, is universally recognised as the founder of Positive Psychology, and our Ambassador, Professor Lea Waters, is a past President of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) and was the inaugural Gerry Higgins Chair in Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne.
Our members are at various stages of their Positive Education journey, some well-advanced, whilst others are taking their first steps. All are eager to grow their knowledge, forge new connections, and be inspired and energised by the difference Positive Education can make not only to students, but also to the wider community.
Membership is extended to all schools, teachers, students, academics and community members who have an interest in an evidence-based approach to student wellbeing and I urge you to embrace Positive Education – a practice committed to enabling students to flourish and communities to thrive. I have no doubt that Positive Education is a key factor in effecting positive societal change.
I encourage you to join PESA today to benefit from all that membership has to offer. As well as enabling you to gain access to resources, evidence of best practice, latest research and data, and linking you with leaders in the field of Positive Education, membership will also provide you with the opportunity to share your own knowledge and experiences with fellow members who, like you, are keen to support their school communities to flourish.
Simon Murray OAM
Chairman
Positive Education Schools Association