"As discussed during your Wembley tour I’d be very keen to get you back for a teacher and parent session if possible – either August or if you return later in the year.
The impact you had on our year 4-6 was significant. They are still talking about it and we have seen a marked difference in the students being more ‘present’, particularly around adults."
DONNA SNOW, PRINCIPAL
"We had Luke at our school for our grade 4/5/6 children and their parents. Luke presented an honest account of his life and how he managed to turn this around, even after many setbacks. While our children in Beechworth have fairly sheltered lives there were many great messages for our children. I had very good feedback from the parents. I only wish I had of opened up the night to the wider community. An excellent true and raw account of a life changed for the better with positive self talk.
Three parent messages I received after the presentation were:
"It was great, Eli keeps talking about it." - Parent
"I wish I had of brought my older daughters" - Parent
"Great job. Tonight was great." - Parent
"Thank you so much, a great night, I will be passing Luke's name onto my sons secondary school." - Parent
Luke thank you so much. I will look at getting you again for the community of Beechworth."
TEACHER KATHERINE HANCOCK.
"You were guest speaker today at my son's school, Beckenham Primary. I just picked him up and it's obvious you made a real impression on him. He said it gave him a whole new perspective. Thank you."
PARENT
"Hi Luke, I'm from Blaxland East and I would like to tell you my story. I have very bad anxiety and I always feel down on myself. I'm always sad and I don't want to go to school but when I heard your story I thought and I realised that you got through it so I can too. You really inspired me. Thanks and good luck in your gym and I hope you help other kids by telling them your story."
YEAR 5 STUDENT
'' Luke S. Kennedy spoke to our Year 6-10 boys and their parents at an Empowering Boys night. From the minute he started each and every one of them was completely captivated with shock and humour by each story.
However, most importantly everyone one of them left that night with a better understanding of who they are and how to handle the challenges life can throw at you. ''
D. WEARNE
STUDENT GROWTH, NORTHERN BEACHES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.
"I went around to the student's this morning and all students had such positive thing's to say. Most were able to connect with your stories and a lot had said that they have learnt the importance of self love and acceptance.
I really felt the vibe shift from some of our more troubled students when I sat and spoke with them. They were able to reflect on their friendships and not such good choices they have made in the past.
Thank you again for the amazing talk! ''
TEACHER & WELLBEING MENTOR FAIRVALE PRIMARY, TAMARA MARJANAC.
"Thank you again for coming to our school, we truly appreciate it. Everyone seems to have taken a lot out of your presentation.
Some key elements everyone liked:
that you connected on the 3 levels, with students, staff and parents - so that everyone was on the same page. Parents said it was a lot easier to start discussions with their children around the topics at home because they had their own session.
Everyone loved you and how open you were about your life & sharing how you turned your life around
They said you were a fantastic speaker, very inspirational - who engaged really well with the audience.
The one main message most got from your talk was to be true to your own authentic self and to manage your own self care."
PARENT & ORGANISER OF EVENT, KELLY O'NEILL
"Hey Luke, just want to say thanks again for making the effort to come all the way to Corowa! I have spoken to a few of the parents that came to the Monday night event and they all thoroughly enjoyed it and took many positives away from it. Speaking with my students today after the student talk, they took in more than I expected which is amazing! I know I will be making some small changes too! Thanks again"
TEACHER, COROWA PRIMARY
KATHERINE HANCOCK
TEACHER, BEECHWORTH PRIMARY
"We had Luke at our school for our grade 4/5/6 children and their parents. Luke presented an honest account of his life and how he managed to turn this around, even after many setbacks. While our children in Beechworth have fairly sheltered lives there were many great messages for our children. I had very good feedback from the parents. I only wish I had of opened up the night to the wider community. An excellent true and raw account of a life changed for the better with positive self talk.
Three parent messages I received after the presentation were:
"It was great, Eli keeps talking about it." - Parent
"I wish I had of brought my older daughters" - Parent
"Great job. Tonight was great." - Parent
"Thank you so much, a great night, I will be passing Luke's name onto my sons secondary school." - Parent
Luke thank you so much. I will look at getting you again for the community of Beechworth."