Setup Checklist

Please arrange for the following:

• Either lapel mic (preferred), or cordless microphone - for Daniel to speak from. 
• A second cordless roaming microphone for audience interaction (applicable to large audiences - > 150 students). A teacher will be assigned to manage this during the session. 
• Lectern
• Table set to the side, next to the lectern, with a bottle of water
• For full day program delivery, Daniel’s lunch usually consists of a light wrap, salad and fruit. This is available within most school canteens. If not available within your school canteen, please let us know and an alternative can be arranged. 
• Digital projector and screen with video and audio capability (for music and videos). A headphone jack will be required to be plugged into Daniel's laptop / or iPhone.
• HDMI or VGA capability (Daniel will bring his Macbook Air to run the presentation).
• If possible, a spare powerpoint clicker (as a back up) - in the event that Daniel's clicker stops working during the session.
• Dimmed lighting is preferred for optimal experience and slideshow and video display.
• The preferred seating style is theatre style on chairs (not floor), with a walkway in the middle. 
• An air-conditioned room would be ideal (especially for hotter months) to enhance overall student experience.
• ​It would be ideal for students to bring a pen and paper to write (and a book to lean on) to maximise the opportunity to take notes during the seminar - so where possible, please encourage this.
• Unless advised not to by the school, Daniel will arrange for this session to be photographed and video recorded (using his smartphone), with the understanding that the school has ensured all attending students have obtained media permission from their parent/guardian. Daniel would appreciate if the school organises a designated photographer (staff member / student) to capture moments from the session, including candid audience shots and a group shot at the end. Smartphone images are sufficient. 
• If possible and time permits, Daniel would also appreciate receiving very short video testimonials from preselected students and staff member(s) - to be taken immediately after the session using Daniel’s smartphone.
• Audio and video recording of the session is not allowed. Thank you for respecting Daniel’s intellectual property.
• Printed student worksheet/workbook placed on chairs (prior to commencement - see below)
• A few minutes prior to the conclusion of the session, students will be asked to complete an online feedback form (anonymous), accessed via a QR code that will be displayed on the slide. It would be ideal if students bring their mobile phones to complete the survey (will only take two minutes).  It’s important that students complete this. Daniel would appreciate if you can assist with facilitating this.  
• ​See behaviour management policy - click here
• Introducing Daniel Merza on the day - click here 
• See post program follow through guide - click here

Resources & Printing

For Empower Hour sessions, the following resources are provided post-session:

• A worksheet for student completion, reflection and action plan
• ​A one-page summary of key messages for both pastoral teachers (and students) to be used as a tool to unpack content further in PC lessons - for embedment and reinforcement.
• A follow-through guide for PC teachers
• ​It would be ideal for students to bring a pen and paper to write (and a book to lean on) to maximise the opportunity to take notes during the seminar - so where possible, please encourage this.

For half day or full day sessions:

• A workbook is provided pre-session for attendees to complete several exercises both in-session and post session. In the lead up to the session, an electronic PDF file will be emailed to you to arrange copies to be printed for each attendee. Printing on standard A4 paper, with all pages stapled, is sufficient OR A5 creating a booklet.  Before students enter the room, please arrange for the worksheets/workbooks to be already placed on the chairs, so once they arrive, the session can be commenced immediately (maximising delivery time). Daniel can also assist in placing the worksheets/workbooks on chairs prior to start while setting up and waiting for students. 
• A one-page summary of key messages for both pastoral teachers (and students) is also provided post-session to be used as a tool to unpack content further in PC lessons - for embedment and reinforcement.​

Informing students and parents prior to the day

While surprises have their place, it is strongly recommended that students are informed about the running of incursion prior to the day itself. Past experience shows that students show greater engagement and attentiveness on the day when informed in advance.

It is also strongly recommended that parents are informed at least 1-2 weeks in advance to enable conversations between parents and children after the incursion to allow for greater reflection on the content covered but also, to foster greater connection between parents and their children. This adds impetus to a whole-school approach and ensures parents are across the external support that the school is investing in to support the wellbeing of their children.  

Please send a copy of the correspondence sent to parents to daniel@danielmerza.com.

Highly sensitive topics

Highly sensitive topics may be raised during Daniel’s session (e.g bullying, racism. mental illness, suicide, drugs, divorce, death etc) which may emotionally trigger some students. It is expected that appropriate staff are present during the session (e.g. Year adviser, welfare coordinator, counsellor) to monitor this. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the school to provide students with the follow-up support necessary. In addition to the suggestions that Daniel will make during the session, it is recommended that the school provides students with a list of external support organisations (e.g. phone hotlines and websites such as Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue)

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