Caroline Black – Building A Better Future Through Wellbeing Education And Positive Psychology

Caroline Black

Educator, Business Co-Founder, Consultant

Canterbury, New Zealand

Alumni: Christchurch, New Zealand

Building a Better Future Through Wellbeing Education and Positive Psychology

What drew you to complete the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

While working at an independent boys’ school in New Zealand and navigating life as a co-parent in a newly blended family, I often felt a lack of tools to adequately support both my own children and the young people I was teaching. Despite the emphasis in education on “high care, high expectations,” I noticed a disconnect – there was plenty of talk and not enough actionable tools to truly support this approach. There had to be a better way to approach education, one that integrated wellbeing into the core of learning.

I was drawn to the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing after attending workshops and conferences led by Dr. Lucy Hone and Dr. Denise Quinlan. Their emphasis on fostering resilience in young people through character strengths, mindset, and meaningful connection deeply resonated with me. Their insights revealed a powerful vision for transforming education to focus on thriving rather than merely surviving – for students, staff and the whole school community.

The Diploma gave me the knowledge, practical strategies, and insight I needed to develop tools that aligned with high care and high expectations in the classroom. It allowed me to create learning environments where both students and teachers could flourish. This journey strengthened my teaching practice and empowered me to navigate my personal life with greater confidence and resilience. The experience was transformative, offering a new perspective on how education and wellbeing can work hand in hand to create meaningful and lasting change.

How was your experience of the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

The Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing far exceeded my expectations, becoming the most transformative professional and personal development journey I have undertaken.

I found the science of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing absolutely fascinating. Understanding key concepts, particularly around emotions and the brain’s influence, deepened my awareness of my own thoughts and reactions while offering profound insights into the behaviours of adolescents. This knowledge led to transformative changes in both my teaching practices and personal life. I gained simple yet effective tools and strategies to bring into the classroom – starting the day with intention, asking purposeful questions and fostering meaningful connections with students. These practices extended beyond the classroom, enhancing my relationships with the important people in my life and grounding me in the value of connection and being present. The Diploma prompted me to reflect deeply on my personal values and question whether I was truly living in alignment with them, inspiring meaningful changes in both my personal and professional life.

Most impactful, however, was the sense of community the course provided. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared a passion for wellbeing was both inspiring and reassuring. The relationships I built continue to offer motivation, support, and a shared commitment to fostering wellbeing.

How are you spreading your positive ripples, and how has the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing helped you achieve this?

The Diploma has been transformative in helping me create and spread positive ripples, particularly in the education sector. It has provided me with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to channel my energy into fostering sustainable wellbeing practices that benefit students, teachers, families, and entire school communities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been collaborating with incredible educators across New Zealand and beyond. These champions of wellbeing in education are deeply committed to creating thriving school environments but often feel uncertain about the path to get there. Alongside leading Wellbeing Education within my own school, I have supported other schools in developing clear frameworks for their next steps. By identifying and building upon existing practices, schools are empowered to recognise and celebrate the wellbeing work already being done as a foundation for growth. While a general roadmap provides guidance, it must be tailored to align with each school’s unique values, vision, and strategic goals to ensure long-term success.

This work has led me to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates strategic planning, curriculum development, and a whole-school approach to embedding wellbeing into the culture of education. Wellbeing is not an add-on; it must be a core element of school life. Every student deserves access to wellbeing education, and every teacher and school community should have wellbeing at the forefront of their priorities. Wellbeing is essential for sustainable growth and success in schools.

Part of this framework has been the development and delivery of a Wellbeing Education curriculum that equips schools with practical, evidence-based strategies to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability. By providing students with tools to enhance their own wellbeing, a ripple effect extends to their own family, whānau, and the broader community.

In sharing this work, I have presented on topics such as “Beyond Ticking the Box: How Wellbeing Drives Sustainable Growth and Success in Schools” and hosted a whole-school wellbeing conference, bringing together leaders and educators to collaborate on innovative approaches to wellbeing. These experiences underscore the profound impact of prioritising sustainable wellbeing, enabling schools to thrive amidst modern education complexities.

This journey has culminated in the creation of my business, Grow Daily, dedicated to sustainable wellbeing and high-performance practices. Grow Daily represents my commitment to equipping schools, educators, and wider organisations with the tools to embed sustainable wellbeing into their daily practices, creating lasting cultural transformation. Every success story – whether it is a teacher implementing a new strategy or a student feeling more engaged, confident, and connected – reinforces the importance of this work.

The Diploma has been pivotal in shaping my understanding of how to create meaningful change. It has equipped me with the skills to design tailored solutions that address each school’s unique needs while remaining aligned with my values of promoting access to wellbeing education for all students and prioritising wellbeing for every teacher and school community. Equally transformative have been the phenomenal connections I have made throughout this journey – fellow learners and exceptional mentors who have enriched my understanding and encouraged me to keep pushing boundaries. These relationships have been instrumental in expanding the positive ripples of this work, providing support, guidance, and collaboration to drive meaningful impact.

Did you know we offer tailored programmes bringing positive psychology and wellbeing science to your organisation or educational institution?

Start a ripple effect yourself and promote wellbeing with proven, science-backed tools that deliver real results. Enquire here or book a call to learn more.