OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Our School Community Partners

Brunswick Secondary College

Donburn Primary School

Michael Fortune and his team came out to speak to the Year 5 & 6 students at Donburn Primary School in May 2022. The students enthusiastically engaged with Michael and loved hearing the stories about his life experiences. They were impressed with his life story and how he overcame hardship and adversity. The messages were positive and helped the students understand the importance of perseverance. Michael never gave up!

Prior to the event, Michael and AJ came to talk to staff about the themes we wanted him to discuss with the students. The messages we wanted Michael to include in his presentation were about tolerance with their classmates, forgiveness after a disagreement or when things don’t go their way and moving on after a disagreement, not holding a grudge. These themes were seamlessly sown into the presentation. The students loved Michael and his team. The messages he passed on in this motivational speech will hold them in good stead throughout their lives!

- Julie Hoskin: Principal

Essendon Keilor Secondary College

The Year 11 and 12 students at EKC were lucky enough to have Michael and his team present at our camp in Gippsland. The cold and rain didn’t stop them from interacting with students around the campfire after their presentation about motivation, perseverance and resilience. They quickly and easily connected with the students and provided some powerful messages.

- Sally Stevens: Principal

Bundoora Primary School

Our school was extremely grateful to be able to partner up with CALM YOUTH for a 5 week intervention program for our Year 5/6 students.

AJ, Michael & Khalid were a huge hit with our

students! They displayed their professionalism, dedication and commitment and as they facilitated their “Inspiring Purpose Through Passion’ program. The program was well-structured, and the activities were engaging with each student leaving the sessions feeling empowered.

The hands-on activities and real-life examples allowed students to develop their own personal portfolio, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The program was created in a safe and inclusive environment, with the facilitators sharing their own lived experiences which allowed all students to feel a sense of connection. A huge thank you for providing such a fabulous and meaningful program!

- Kate Bonazza: Primary Wellbeing Officer

Mooroolbark College

Aj and Michael delivered a fantastic speech to our year 7 students about their personal journey in life touching on highlights, lowlights hardships and ultimately resilience being a key pillar and value of our school. Through the personalised stories shared, students were able to connect to the CALM Youth team due to their ability to relate. An amazing speech that definitely motivated and inspired all in attendance including faculty!

- Abbie Hansen: Community Engagement and Transition

St Andrews Primary School

Hume Central Secondary College

Box Hill Senior Secondary College

AJ and Mike from CALM Youth brought showed how the school values of Respect,
Resilience, Reflection and R are more than just words . They demonstrated how they play
out in the real world with real life examples that were truly inspirational. Their emotional
journeys were laid bare. The highs, the lows and how holding these values near to their
hearts ensured they made it through with a sense of gratitude. Don’t take it from me, take it
from the students of Box Hill Senior Secondary, “Best presentation EVER”.

- Cathryn Lester: VCE Teacher

Diamond Creek Primary School

Thomastown West Primary School

CALM’s youth-led programs are engaging and really connect with our kids. By focusing on motivation, social skills, and empowerment CALM created a well-rounded learning experience for all students involved.

After each session, students left feeling enthusiastic and eager to share what they had learned. On more than one occasion, I witnessed students using the skills and knowledge they gained from the program. Whether it was demonstrating improved social interactions, showing increased confidence in their abilities, or setting and working towards personal goals.

What makes CALM stand out are mentors like Alex, Michael, and Khalid, who have been exceptional role models for our students. Their dedication, energy, and positive attitudes have left a lasting impression on our kids. Alex’s enthusiasm, Michael’s thoughtful guidance, and Khalid’s leadership have not only motivated our students but have also significantly boosted their confidence.

We were impressed by CALMS dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our students, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to empower more young minds

- Nour Ibrahim: Grade 5/6 Teacher

Fawkner Primary School

St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

Healesville Primary School

Calm Youth offer an amazing program that promotes self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. We were lucky to have them work with our grade five and six students this year. Their program is fast paced, engaging, thoughtfully planned and purposeful. They can engage with all students on varying levels and bring a positive mindset to a whole range of problems and issues. The program adapts to the specific needs of each student involved and relates to real life experiences. The leaders foster collaboration between students and respect for others underpins all activities.

Our students really enjoyed the program and working with the leaders themselves – they understand how to relate to young people. It was a highly successful endeavour, and we are very keen to continue this next year.

Thank you, Calm Youth, for working with our students at Healesville Primary School

- Tracey Roberston-Smith: Principal

Charles La Trobe College

Plenty Valley Christian College

Calm Youth talked about how to turn our passions into purpose. It is very difficult for lots of teenagers to develop a clear pathway for what they want to do beyond school. Listening to their stories helped our cohort understand that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone goes through their own challenges, but Calm helped us understand that everything happens FOR us, not TO us. They were also kind enough to hang around after their presentation, assisting us with a more personal approach to our questions and needs. Could not recommend them enough!

- PVCC Senior Student