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Mental health of school students will be the focus of a conference at The University of Western Australia on May 22.

School principals, teachers, psychologists and other education professionals will be able to learn more about mental health issues facing schools at the inaugural Positive Schools 2009 Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference.

The conference focus is on finding solutions and achieving sustainable positive outcomes.  Burns specialist and 2005 Australian of the Year, Professor Fiona Wood , will present the keynote address, entitled:  "Teachers - A Most Significant Influence".

Organised by Associate Professor Helen Street from UWA's School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Neil Porter , both co-founders of the mental health and wellbeing service for schools, Wise Solutions , the one-day conference has attracted more than 250 delegates from around Australia.

Thirteen internationally acclaimed speakers include David Price , Assistant Executive Director Student Support, Department of Education; Professor Helen Wildy , Dean of Education at UWA; and Professor Ken Rigby from Flinders University, an expert in school bullying.

Promoting positive body image in schools is the subject of UWA's Dr Sue Byrne 's lecture, while Associate Professor Moira Sim from Edith Cowan University will talk on alcohol and drug issues facing young people.  Perth-based clinical psychologist George W Burns will address the topic of achieving well-being through stories.

The conference will be held at The University Club (nearest carpark off Hackett Entrance 1) from 9am to 5pm on Friday, May 22.  Media are welcome at the event.

For more information, visit the conference website: https://www.positiveschools.com.au/

Media references

Associate Professor Helen Street (+61 8)  9346 2045
Neil Porter (Wise Solutions)  (+61 8)  9388 8843  /  (+61 4) 16 170 770
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716