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.
- 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, 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). If the school has a no phone policy, the alternative option is to have students bring their laptops instead. 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
Student Workbook
Depending on the program selected, you would have received a PDF student workbook that accompanies this session - an important part of delivery and student engagement.
A couple of things to note in relation to the session and workbook:
A couple of things to note in relation to the session and workbook:
- For workbook printing, please print either on A4 or A5 paper - double sided - and stapled in the middle to create a booklet.
- Please ensure students bring pens to write, and a book to lean on for writing ease and comfort.
- 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.
- Students will be asked to complete various exercises during the session.
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.
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)