Seasons for Growth

Seasons for Growth empowers professionals to support people through change and grief.

Seasons for Growth has been running successfully in New Zealand for over 20 years, and the licence is with Archbishop Paul Martin SM.

It works on the peer support principal and reflects St Mary MacKillop’s call: “Never see a need without trying to do something about it.”

Our evidence-based programs equip professionals with the tools to create a safe environment for children, young people, and adults. These programs foster the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and navigate experiences of change, loss, and grief. We are dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of schools and communities in the face of adversity.

The programs use the power of sharing in a supportive peer group setting, where participants can safely explore their experiences and uncover their own strengths in the grief process. The Seasons for Growth programs helps people navigate life's challenges, including:

The loss of a loved one
Family transitions
Separation and divorce
Changes in friendships
Impact of illness
Relocation
Moving to a new school or home
Natural disasters

Mackillop Seasons Programs available

Children and Young Persons' Programme (6-18 years of age)

Level 1 (ages 6-8 years)
Level 2 (ages 9-10 years)
Level 3 (ages 11-12 years)
Level 4 (ages 13-18 years)
eight formal sessions; one celebration session; and one optional reconnector session

Parent Programmes

(supporting children who are participating in the Children and Young Persons’ Programme)

Supporting your child following separation and divorce:
2 sessions (2 hours) or 1 session (4 hours)
Supporting your child following the death of someone they love
1 session (2.5 hours)

If you are interested in joining an upcoming Parent Program, please register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/0NWS2Z0aeJ
Jess will follow up with available dates and locations that are most convenient for you.

Adult Understanding Change, Loss and Grief seminar

3 hour seminar

Adult Exploring the Seasons of Grief small group program

4 x 2-hour sessions

Stormbirds

Level 1 (ages 6-10 years)
Level 2 (ages 11-14 years)
Four formal sessions; one celebration session; and one optional reconnector session

Plans for 2024:

Companion Training:

Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October (VIRTUAL)
To register please complete the registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/CZF58adfzV
Registrations close Monday 30th September
Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: Monday11th and Tuesday 12th November
To register please complete the registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/ASjkXN8VJu
Preferred venue is in Hutt Valley. TBC.
Registrations close Friday 1st November

If you wish to train as a Companion to facilitate a Seasons for Growth course, or would like more information on a session listed above, please send Jess Ferroni an email at seasons@wn.catholic.org.nz or call/text her on 021 374 405.

Plans for 2025:

Tentative Companion Training:

Stormbirds: January, Tuesday 21st - VIRTUAL
Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: March, Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th – Location TBC
Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: May, Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May - VIRTUAL
Adult Companion Training: July, Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th– Location TBC
Parent Companion Training: August, Monday 18th - VIRTUAL
Parent Companion Training: August, Tuesday 19th – Location TBC
Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: September, Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd – VIRTUAL
Adult Companion Training: October, Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd - VIRTUAL
Children and Young People's Programme Companion Training: November, Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th – Location TBC

Facilitated Programs for community members:

Children and Young People's program
8 sessions in agreement with schools and youth groups on application
Parent program
For parents supporting children through crisis aligned with when a Children and Young Persons’ Program is being run
Adult small group programme
6 afternoon / evenings for up to 8 adults as expressions of interest arise
Adult seminar
5 hour workshop for up to 20 participants on application

If you are interested in attending a program or would like one run in your community or school, please email Jess at seasons@wn.catholic.org.nz or call/text her on 021 374 405

Getting involved

Seasons for Growth offers much satisfaction in “accompanying one other” (Call No 10, ADW Synod 2017) for participants and for companions.

Catholic Social Services is looking for volunteers to train as Companions. For further information, please email Jess at seasons@wn.catholic.org.nz or call/text her on 021 374 405

Comments

“Having other people with the same problem to talk to has really helped” (participant, 12 yrs)
“The Seasons for Growth training has helped me to realise the impact that change and loss can have on kids’ behaviour at school” (Teacher)
“It was such a relief to know I wasn’t going mad, I was grieving, and that that is normal.” (adult participant)
“I love the course! I think it will be excellent to enhance our students’ wellbeing.” (Learning Support Coordinator, training participants)