At the recent Camberwell High School (CHS) PFA Parent Seminar, families had the opportunity to hear from renowned clinical psychologist and educator Dr Andrew Fuller, who presented an engaging and insightful session on understanding and supporting teenagers.
Held on Monday 4 May, the seminar provided parents and carers with practical strategies, reassuring insights and thoughtful reflections on the teenage years, a period of significant growth, change and identity formation. Through stories, humour and interactive discussion, Dr Fuller explored the teenage brain and the important role adults play in shaping positive relationships and emotional wellbeing.
A central message throughout the evening was the importance of connection. Dr Fuller highlighted that strong, trusting relationships between young people and adults are foundational in helping teenagers develop confidence, resilience and positive attitudes towards themselves and others.
Parents were encouraged to model and nurture qualities such as trust, empathy, compassion and integrity in everyday interactions. Dr Fuller also emphasised the value of fostering self-belief, helping young people recognise that abilities and strengths can continue to grow through effort, reflection and support.
The seminar reinforced the importance of creating environments where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning rather than sources of shame. Through supportive and consistent relationships, teenagers are more likely to build resilience, confidence and emotional maturity as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Another key theme explored was respect, both for self and for others. Dr Fuller encouraged families to support self-kindness and positive self-talk while also promoting caring, cooperative and respectful relationships within the broader community.
At CHS, opportunities such as the PFA Parent Seminar reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing and inclusion of every student and strengthening the partnership between school and home. Guided by the belief that student wellbeing and learning are deeply connected, CHS values creating a supportive environment where young people feel known, respected and empowered to thrive both academically and personally. Through initiatives such as this seminar, the school continues to support families with practical tools and shared understandings that help students navigate adolescence with confidence and resilience.
Families who attended the seminar also received access to a range of valuable free parent resources and learning tools through Dr Fuller’s website, including opportunities for students to explore their individual learning strengths.
Further parent resources are available via Andrew Fuller’s official website.
The evening was a valuable opportunity for the CHS community to come together, reflect on the experiences of young people and continue building a strong and connected school community that supports the growth and wellbeing of all students.
