Author and psychologist Karen Young will be the guest speaker at a south Brisbane school next Thursday, as hundreds of schools across South-East Queensland simultaneously showcase their programs in a large-scale Open Week.
Ms Young, the author of Hey Warrior and a leading authority on child and adolescent anxiety, will speak at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School on May 1.
The Coorparoo school is one of 146 Brisbane Catholic Education schools organising Open Week activities, in a region-wide initiative designed to give families a chance to explore multiple schools with ease between April 28 and May 4.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel principal Warren Fields said Ms Young’s appearance underlined the school’s commitment to student wellbeing.
“This inspiring session will explore ways to support children navigating anxiety, offering valuable insights for families and empowering future scholars,” Mr Fields said.
He said the school had strengthened its programs after identifying an opportunity to better support the 27 percent of students experiencing anxiety.
“Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
“We recognise the importance of social and emotional learning, which is why we introduced the Second Step program in 2024 which is taught across all our classrooms.”
Mr Fields said the program helped students develop essential life skills, fostered social awareness and responsible decision-making.
He said it helped them become engaged and compassionate global citizens.
“Inclusion, outreach, and a strong sense of belonging are also central to our school culture.
“We actively celebrate diversity and create a welcoming space where every student feels valued and supported.”
Mr Fields said the goal was to provide students with the stepping stones to lead a successful life, through the many unique opportunities they offered.
“We have a dedicated student support team, including a school-based speech pathologist,” he said.
“We have recently also implemented a phonics program across all classrooms to ensure a strong foundation in reading and literacy for every student.”
