22 Nov 2019
By Francis Floresca
In collaboration with TAFE NSW, Punchbowl Boys’ High School has recently launched a floristry course that aims to empower parents with new life skills.
Led by Ms. Wadad Mourad, who has owned Flowers With Devotion for over 20 years, the 6-week course is held at the school’s common room every Tuesday from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.
“We do this to empower parents,” Ms. Mourad remarked. “When we empower parents, it helps them empower kids who attend this school.”
“By running this course at Punchbowl Boys’, we make the journey easier for parents,” said Ms. Mourad. “We make TAFE more accessible and at the same time, we are able to give parents the same learning experiences that their child receives. It’s reassuring for parents.”
Deputy Principal for Wellbeing Mr. Aziz Elbeb affirms that impact of the program goes beyond the classroom.
“It’s about helping them build their skill set,” said Mr. Elbeb. “It helps them broaden their horizons through higher employability but it is not just about that.”
“For many of our parents, it’s about improving and maintaining their mental health,” Mr. Elbeb continued. “For many of our parents, life can get really busy. This course gives them an opportunity to take a break from their usual routine while upskilling themselves.”
“But most importantly, this course allows them to meet other parents, which enables them to establish a support network if they don’t already have one or beyond their current one if they do.”
For parent Ms. Jamal El Ahmad, Mr. Elbeb’s statement rings true.
“Floristry is not just a hobby for me,” said Ms. El Ahmad, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Honours) at Western Sydney Univerity. “It’s a part of my care plan.”
“Being here once a week has helped me de-stress from all the demands of being a mother and being at university,” Ms. El Ahmad noted. “In my field, you can burn out easily but having programs like this run in the same school where both my kids go reduces my stress a lot.”
When it comes to parent engagement, Punchbowl Boys’ High School is not limited to floristry alone.
A quick chat with Community Liaison Officer Ms. Fifi Fakhour, who has been working with the school since 1995, can help parents learn more about the range of activities offered by the school to parents.
“Our school specialises in the finding the most suitable programs for both students and parents,” said Ms. Fakhour with pride. “We want to ensure that parents and students empower each other.”
“Parents are the voice of our school,” Ms. Fakhour continued. “We make sure that they have access to as many opportunities as possible to empower themselves through education.”
“Our school aim to make life easier for parents. We provide parents with a safe space where they could ask for advice and assistance regarding further study and life in general,” Ms. Fakhour added. “It all depends on their personal goals really.”
In addition to the ongoing floristry course, Punchbowl Boys’ have offered parent courses that have helped them improved their English and computer skills in the past.
Each parent who completed the course will receive a Certificate of Attainment from TAFE NSW.