On Tuesday 4 March, our Year 8, 10, 11, and 12 boys participated in the Men of Honour workshop with Glen Gerreyn of the HopeFULL Institute. This was an engaging, at times humourous and thought-provoking session that challenged them to reflect on their values, habits and choices. The workshop provided practical tools for developing resilience, purpose and accountability in a world filled with distractions and pressures.
Glen’s powerful message encouraged our students to take small, achievable steps towards personal growth in key areas of their lives:
Gratitude: The boys explored the impact of both pulse gratitude (daily moments of appreciation) and verbal gratitude (expressing thanks to others). By making gratitude a habit, they can cultivate a more positive outlook and stronger relationships.
Health and wellbeing: The dangers of excessive sugar intake were highlighted, reinforcing the link between diet and mental clarity. Glen challenged them to set small fitness goals—whether it’s a daily walk, a short workout or a commitment to movement—to build discipline and resilience.
Money and ambition: The workshop emphasised the power of small savings targets and entrepreneurial thinking. Students were encouraged to set financial goals, start a small business, hold a garage sale or create content, reinforcing that financial independence starts with small, consistent actions.
Decision-making and substance use: Glen unpacked the laws of addiction and the importance of making conscious choices. He urged students to recognise the planning phase of risky behaviours and to proactively decide what they stand for—because “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.”
Media consumption and relationships: A confronting discussion on pornography shed light on its harmful impact, including violent imagery and its effects on neural pathways. Glen emphasised that what we feed grows, and what we starve slows—the paradox of living in the most oversexualised yet loneliest generation. The conversation reinforced the importance of respect, consent and genuine connection in relationships.
Redirection and accountability: The boys were encouraged to redirect their energy into positive outlets—exercise, financial goals and mentorship. Surrounding themselves with trusted mentors and peers who hold them accountable can help them make stronger, healthier choices.
The Men of Honour workshop left a lasting impression, equipping our students with practical strategies to navigate challenges and make choices that align with their values. We encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home, reinforcing the importance of gratitude, discipline and respect in shaping their futures.
“One of the biggest takeaways from this session was realising that I am not alone. Every teenage boy experiences similar tendencies. What stood out to me most was the importance of self-control and maturity.
Glen’s quote, “He who rules his spirit (self) is better than he who takes a city,” made me reflect on what it truly means to be a man—not just in age but in character and discipline. His breakdown of financial success also changed my perspective. Initially, the earnings he mentioned seemed unrealistic, but once he explained them step by step, they became more achievable.” – Giorgio A, Year 12
“This session was extremely informative, it gave us a solid idea of the right path to coming into adulthood as a man. My main takeaway from the session was the importance of discipline in everyday practices. This session has inspired me to bring more discipline to my everyday life and with just 1 session, I feel I’ve grown a little as a man, and it taught me the correct path for me and my peers to grow up following.’ – Wolfe W, Year 10
“From yesterday’s session with Glen, I realised the impact procrastination has on my life and my goals, and how important it is to take action now rather than delay. I already train regularly, but he inspired me to increase the frequency and intensity of my sessions, especially on the days when I get home from school or work and just want to lie down. I particularly liked the part where he explained his approach to money, as I have quite a bit just sitting in a spending account, doing nothing. He encouraged me to go home and put the majority of it in a savings account, which I’m currently in the process of doing, and I plan to continue adding to it.
As for kids my age, many are still stuck in false realities, like spending too much time on video games, and are at the age where they’re experimenting with drugs. Addiction isn’t just about drugs, but also things like pornography, which leads to unrealistic expectations of sex. The session was important because it highlighted how easily we can fall into unhealthy habits and dependency without even realising it, and how essential it is to build a ‘uni-focused brain’ that is disciplined, focused on real growth, and able to resist distractions in order to achieve long-term success.” – Asher L, Year 12
This was the last of three wellbeing workshops planned for Term 1. Each session was designed to inspire students in the areas of resilience, self-awareness and informed decision-making.
Thanks to Glen Gerreyn for such an insightful workshop. In addition, special thanks to Gareth Douse Head of Gura for organising these workshops for our students. Through these workshops, IGS continues to support students in their personal growth and wellbeing, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond.