Session for Educators
THE THRIVING SCHOOL
- AUDIENCE - Heads of Student Wellbeing/Pastoral Care and Middle/Senior School
OVERVIEW
Key Focus - Wellbeing and Leadership
In an increasingly complex and challenging world, the only thing that is constant is change - political, economic, technological, social and across the educational landscape.
With the added pressures of social media, research shows that many teens are struggling to cope with school and life challenges. Mental health issues, such as anxiety and eating disorders, addiction and depression, have become more common, and the incidents of bullying, self-harm, and suicide have increased. It doesn’t have to be this way.
In this engaging, interactive and impactful session, audiences will gain:
- An insight into the cornerstone and key to addressing today's teen issues, including a multi ‘student and educator’ perspective.
- A deep experience into Daniel’s style, content and delivery to student audiences via the delivery of a piece from his student wellbeing programs, delivered as if students were present.
- Value-adding content to enhance their professional roles and personal lives, through the tailored delivery of piece from Daniel’s student wellbeing programs, providing a multi ‘student and educator’ perspective.
- A thought-provoking bird eye’s view on the three keys to promote mental wellness, drive cultural change and create a thriving school community.
Wearing multiple caps throughout, audiences will leave this unconventionally customised session empowered and with the clarity, practical tips and inspiration to take immediate action, ignite positive change and lead in the creation of The Thriving School.
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Testimonials
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“Energetic and entertaining. So much fun. There was never a dull moment. Highly recommend".
Year 10 student - Oakhill College
"Daniel is a motivated speaker to teenagers on a range of different contemporary issues affecting our students. He has strong interpersonal skills which is reflected in his practical and informative talks. I highly recommend Daniel Merza if you would like a speaker with strong knowledge, great presentation skills and a person genuine in helping our next generation".
Curriculum Advisor - NSW Department of Education
"Daniel presented a tailor-made session for me to an audience of educators and personnel who deal with the wellbeing of students in schools. The session contained a lot of highly relevant material, caused much discussion, and also caused many to reflect on some elements of the programs they are running in their schools. He introduced us to what he terms "the monkeys on your back", and showed us how he might use these images with students. He made a strong link between the importance of strong mental health for teachers and strong mental health for students, with reference to current statistics, and high profile experts in the field. The feedback was very positive from all who attended".
Greg Robinson - Head of Students, Senior School at Hunter Valley Grammar School
"Daniel's presentation at Tangara's Year 11 Leadership Camp was inspiring, engaging and highly motivating. He challenged the girls to reflect and think critically about what prevents them from achieving their personal best, and provided some concrete suggestions for how to overcome these obstacles and become the "leader of your life". I highly recommend Daniel for any Secondary School presentation. Looking forward to working with him again in the future".
Rita Sakr - Coordinator of Personalised Education at Tangara School for Girls
"Daniel gave an insightful, energetic and inspirational presentation to our Year 10 boys. Our boys really appreciated hearing Daniel's authentic story explaining his own life experience from being bullied as a young boy to building his own resilience and tenacity in learning to 'get the monkey's off his back'. Daniel's interactive and practical approach to covering important life skills like; setting smart goals, having a growth mindset and developing self-awareness really resonated with our boys. I would highly recommend Daniel".
Catherine O'Sullivan - Head of House at Waverley College
"Thank you for your time, wisdom and generosity Daniel Merza. Students were engaged, motivated and challenged to consider how they can incite positive change in their lives. Fantastic work!"
Head of House (combined Year 7 - 12 students) - Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview
"Through Daniel's personal experiences of the social issues teenagers face today, he is able to deliver a real, heartfelt talk which students can relate to. A sincere presentation".
Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing - De La Salle College, Caringbah
"Just heard Dan's great speech about how he went through bullying and he taught us how to deal with it and how to see if someone else is getting bullied and how to prevent it in the school. I think it was a really inspiring talk and I would recommend it to other schools because it definitely helps them a lot."
Year 8 student
"My main key takeaway from tonight was how to prevent bullying if it’s happening to you and how to identify if you are bullying someone and know how to stop. I think Dan spoke really well and really conveyed his message so we all understood what was happening and how to prevent different things. I recommend him to other schools so that more people can become aware about how to stop bullying and how to help people who are getting bullied and help prevent it."
Year 8 student
“Youthful, dynamic and engaging from start to finish. Our boys took away a great deal from Daniel’s presentation on resilience and achieving their personal best. He took the boys on a journey of discovery as they make the important transition to manhood, and in doing so, helped them find out more about themselves, and more importantly who they can be and what’s possible for them in Senior School and thereafter. Daniel’s passion was evident as he instilled in the boys the importance of making the most of their short block of time remaining at school by adopting a strong work ethic, to be true to oneself, and to be perseverant. Daniel provided energy and guidance in helping the boys make important school, career and life choices. We’ll definitely have Daniel back again”.
Year 10 Boarding Master - Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview
“An outstanding communicator, Daniel kept students engaged right through his presentation on resilience - both males and females. Speaking to ATAR and Non ATAR students, his content was relatable, inspiring, and tailored to both categories, not only providing students with much needed motivation leading into their final HSC exams, but also, unpacking alternative pathways available and the action that they are required to take now to set up their future. It’s exactly what they needed to hear and I was delighted to see several students approach Daniel afterwards to share positive feedback. It won’t be the last time Daniel speaks at this school. I couldn’t recommend him more highly”.
Year 12 Coordinator - Sir Joseph Banks High School, Revesby
“All of the points from his presentation resonated deeply with all of our students. The feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive and many asked to stay back to have the opportunity to speak to Daniel”.
Year 12 Coordinator - Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield
"Daniel, you're an inspiration mate. As a teenager myself, hearing you speak tonight was mind blowing in terms of completing my HSC and in term of a positive attitude and resilience for a successful life. Daniel, you're an inspiration. Keep it up mate."
Year 12 Student
"Hi Daniel. Thanks for the talk. It was a pleasure speaking to you and you really inspired and motivated me to do what I wish to strive for. Your time and effort really got me into the laser point mood and the next four months will be a journey for me to fight with my books. Thanks again. Much appreciated. Hope there is many more talks to come with you and many more motivational and inspiring talks too. Head down, ass up"
Year 12 Student
"Thank you so much. You have really helped by son get the monkeys off his back"
Parent
"Matthew came home absolutely wrapped in the talk that Daniel gave and very inspired. One of Matthew’s mates actually committed suicide a few months earlier at their school in Year 9 so it was so pertinent. Excellent !"
Parent
Year 10 student - Oakhill College
"Daniel is a motivated speaker to teenagers on a range of different contemporary issues affecting our students. He has strong interpersonal skills which is reflected in his practical and informative talks. I highly recommend Daniel Merza if you would like a speaker with strong knowledge, great presentation skills and a person genuine in helping our next generation".
Curriculum Advisor - NSW Department of Education
"Daniel presented a tailor-made session for me to an audience of educators and personnel who deal with the wellbeing of students in schools. The session contained a lot of highly relevant material, caused much discussion, and also caused many to reflect on some elements of the programs they are running in their schools. He introduced us to what he terms "the monkeys on your back", and showed us how he might use these images with students. He made a strong link between the importance of strong mental health for teachers and strong mental health for students, with reference to current statistics, and high profile experts in the field. The feedback was very positive from all who attended".
Greg Robinson - Head of Students, Senior School at Hunter Valley Grammar School
"Daniel's presentation at Tangara's Year 11 Leadership Camp was inspiring, engaging and highly motivating. He challenged the girls to reflect and think critically about what prevents them from achieving their personal best, and provided some concrete suggestions for how to overcome these obstacles and become the "leader of your life". I highly recommend Daniel for any Secondary School presentation. Looking forward to working with him again in the future".
Rita Sakr - Coordinator of Personalised Education at Tangara School for Girls
"Daniel gave an insightful, energetic and inspirational presentation to our Year 10 boys. Our boys really appreciated hearing Daniel's authentic story explaining his own life experience from being bullied as a young boy to building his own resilience and tenacity in learning to 'get the monkey's off his back'. Daniel's interactive and practical approach to covering important life skills like; setting smart goals, having a growth mindset and developing self-awareness really resonated with our boys. I would highly recommend Daniel".
Catherine O'Sullivan - Head of House at Waverley College
"Thank you for your time, wisdom and generosity Daniel Merza. Students were engaged, motivated and challenged to consider how they can incite positive change in their lives. Fantastic work!"
Head of House (combined Year 7 - 12 students) - Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview
"Through Daniel's personal experiences of the social issues teenagers face today, he is able to deliver a real, heartfelt talk which students can relate to. A sincere presentation".
Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing - De La Salle College, Caringbah
"Just heard Dan's great speech about how he went through bullying and he taught us how to deal with it and how to see if someone else is getting bullied and how to prevent it in the school. I think it was a really inspiring talk and I would recommend it to other schools because it definitely helps them a lot."
Year 8 student
"My main key takeaway from tonight was how to prevent bullying if it’s happening to you and how to identify if you are bullying someone and know how to stop. I think Dan spoke really well and really conveyed his message so we all understood what was happening and how to prevent different things. I recommend him to other schools so that more people can become aware about how to stop bullying and how to help people who are getting bullied and help prevent it."
Year 8 student
“Youthful, dynamic and engaging from start to finish. Our boys took away a great deal from Daniel’s presentation on resilience and achieving their personal best. He took the boys on a journey of discovery as they make the important transition to manhood, and in doing so, helped them find out more about themselves, and more importantly who they can be and what’s possible for them in Senior School and thereafter. Daniel’s passion was evident as he instilled in the boys the importance of making the most of their short block of time remaining at school by adopting a strong work ethic, to be true to oneself, and to be perseverant. Daniel provided energy and guidance in helping the boys make important school, career and life choices. We’ll definitely have Daniel back again”.
Year 10 Boarding Master - Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview
“An outstanding communicator, Daniel kept students engaged right through his presentation on resilience - both males and females. Speaking to ATAR and Non ATAR students, his content was relatable, inspiring, and tailored to both categories, not only providing students with much needed motivation leading into their final HSC exams, but also, unpacking alternative pathways available and the action that they are required to take now to set up their future. It’s exactly what they needed to hear and I was delighted to see several students approach Daniel afterwards to share positive feedback. It won’t be the last time Daniel speaks at this school. I couldn’t recommend him more highly”.
Year 12 Coordinator - Sir Joseph Banks High School, Revesby
“All of the points from his presentation resonated deeply with all of our students. The feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive and many asked to stay back to have the opportunity to speak to Daniel”.
Year 12 Coordinator - Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield
"Daniel, you're an inspiration mate. As a teenager myself, hearing you speak tonight was mind blowing in terms of completing my HSC and in term of a positive attitude and resilience for a successful life. Daniel, you're an inspiration. Keep it up mate."
Year 12 Student
"Hi Daniel. Thanks for the talk. It was a pleasure speaking to you and you really inspired and motivated me to do what I wish to strive for. Your time and effort really got me into the laser point mood and the next four months will be a journey for me to fight with my books. Thanks again. Much appreciated. Hope there is many more talks to come with you and many more motivational and inspiring talks too. Head down, ass up"
Year 12 Student
"Thank you so much. You have really helped by son get the monkeys off his back"
Parent
"Matthew came home absolutely wrapped in the talk that Daniel gave and very inspired. One of Matthew’s mates actually committed suicide a few months earlier at their school in Year 9 so it was so pertinent. Excellent !"
Parent
MORE TESTIMONIALS
"It was an honour to be one of the students who got to listen to you speak. One of the most engaging and inspiring presentations I have ever had the privilege of hearing!"
Petra, Undergraduate, Western Sydney University
"I attended a conference where Daniel was one of the guest speakers. He was very motivational and I would highly recommend listening to one of his speeches. From the conference I also bought Daniels book- “Get the monkeys off your back” which is a great read for self development. After reading numerous self development books I can say that this was honestly one of the best."
Joshika, Undergraduate, Western Sydney University
"It was an honour to have you share your story with our students. All of the points you presented today resonated with each of them - no matter the major, study year or demographic. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive."
Raymonda Aoun, Western Sydney University, Engagement Officer, Office of the Dean, School of Business
Thank you very much for your motivational speech today at Western Sydney University (4 October 2018). It was great to see my students being engaged and inspired by your story. A lot of them are going through changes in their lives and are trying to figure out what their calling is. The key points you shared will definitely help them to have a deeper reflection on their career journey. You have also made a positive impact on my students who met you at the Networking Event (7 September 2018) at Western Sydney University. When reflecting on the event during our class discussions they described you as being approachable and inspiring.
Dr Noor Lazar, Western Sydney University - School of Business
About Daniel
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Daniel Merza is an award-winning international speaker, author, and coach, specialising in student wellbeing.
Having worn the "underdog" cap growing up, Daniel's story can be summed up in three words - "Defying the odds". Bullied for a decade, diagnosed with a mental illness aged 13, and labelled as a student with “no hope”, Daniel faced up to his tormentors at 16 and turned his life around. During an illustrious corporate career spanning 15 years with leading companies like KPMG and BDO, Daniel spent considerable time developing the weaker spots of younger staff - such as tenacity, emotional intelligence, stress management, self confidence, and leadership - as part of his senior leadership roles. Having witnessed first-hand as a manager the degree to which young people lacked the essential skills to thrive post-school, Daniel left behind a six figure corporate pay packet to embark upon his mission to inspire tenacity, optimism and empowerment in high school students and “get them ready” to flourish in the real world. Based in Sydney, Daniel has developed clever and fun ways to inspire thousands of people worldwide to live a more fulfilled life. He is passionate about empowering his audiences to break through barriers and build resilience to overcome challenges, so they can live up to their full potential. Daniel is also the author of Get the Monkeys off Your Back, a book specifically written for teens (and parents/educators), covering important topics such as self leadership, resilience, mental health, bullying, social media addiction, self discovery and peak performance. Daniel has been featured on the radio and various newspaper and media outlets, and his work has also been acknowledged in NSW Parliament. |
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