IBSC Ideas Lab

Professional Conversations for School Counselors and Pastoral Staff in Boys' Schools

IBSC ideas labStarting May 6, 2024

 

This IBSC Ideas Lab has reached capacity. Please contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org to add your name to the waitlist. Thank you.

IBSC Ideas Lab invites school counselors and pastoral staff at member schools to connect virtually using the free online tool Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.

Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session, participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.

Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an IBSC Ideas Lab.

Who Should Attend?

School counselors and pastoral staff in IBSC member schools

Format

Participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Nick Clark, college psychologist, and Jack Miers, school psychologist, at Scotch College (Australia) facilitate each session.

Conversation Topics

Conversation 1
Intentional Boy-Centered Care: Navigating Societal Pressures and Building Resilience
Monday, May 6, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.

Delve into the unique societal pressures boys face and how they can impact boys’ well-being and performance. Discuss tailored support strategies, proactive approaches to help-seeking, and creating a school culture that encourages vulnerability and resilience in the face of challenges.

Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:

  • What are the most common societal pressures you see affecting boys in your school?
  • How might we better tailor our counselling and pastoral care to address these specific pressures?
  • What are successful strategies you've used to encourage boys to seek help when struggling?
  • How can we foster a school-wide culture that destigmatizes challenges and celebrates resilience?
Conversation 2
Reconstructing Masculinity: Fostering Healthy Expressions of Emotion and Identity
Monday, May 20, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.

Highlight the challenges of traditional notions of masculinity as we explore ways to encourage emotional openness, vulnerability, and embracing multifaceted identities in boys. Discuss the impact of negative online influences and develop strategies to create a more supportive environment where all boys feel comfortable expressing themselves fully.

Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:

  • How do traditional masculine stereotypes affect the boys we work with?
  • What barriers prevent boys from expressing their emotions healthily in your school environment?
  • How can we counteract harmful online influences and promote positive digital citizenship?
  • What specific programs or initiatives can we implement to promote healthy emotional expression and identity exploration in boys?
Conversation 3
Belonging and Connection: Cultivating Inclusive and Supportive Communities 
Thursday, May 23, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Friday, May 24, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.

Focus on creating a sense of belonging for all boys, addressing potential isolation, and creating welcoming spaces. Discuss practical strategies to promote inclusivity, combat bullying, and build strong mentorship and peer support systems that empower and uplift boys from diverse backgrounds.

Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:

  • How do you define "belonging" in the context of your school?
  • How does this differ for various student groups?
  • What factors might contribute to feelings of isolation or exclusion among certain groups of boys?
  • How can we actively address bullying culture and create a norm of respect and inclusion for all students?
  • What successful mentorship or peer-support models have worked well in your school setting?

Registration

IBSC member rate: US $150

This IBSC Ideas Lab has reached capacity. Please contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org to add your name to the waitlist. Thank you.

Refund Policy

IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received two weeks prior to the class. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.

Please note: Participants will receive detailed call information and meeting invitations after registration closes.

Facilitators

Nick Clark, college psychologist, Scotch College (Australia)

Jack Miers, school psychologist, Scotch College (Australia)