Creative approaches to relationship, regulation & rhythm in classroom settings - Hastings

Hastings - 7 May 2026 - 4-6pm

This arts-led PLD will focus on understanding and developing creative strategies to support strong relational grounding and regulation tools in school and ECE settings. Participants will experience how it feels to be led through and in turn lead, various activities. No prior art or movement experience is necessary; process and collaboration are prioritised over product - creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to flourish and learn.

This PLD event is aimed at Pouako, Kaiako and kāiawhina working in ECE and primary school settings as well as teachers in training.

The learning goals for this PLD are to:

• Develop practical ways to support student regulation that are realistic within everyday learning environment and routines.
• Explore and strengthen relational practices that support collaboration, encouraging students and staff to engage bravely together.
• Increase confidence in reading and responding to classroom dynamics including recognising and responding when students and adults are becoming dysregulated.
• Exploration of strategies to support responding in the moment as well as repair after a rupture.

Presenter - Eliza Gibbons, AThR

Eliza is a registered clinical arts therapist and experienced classroom teacher offering professional learning and development that supports teacher and student wellbeing through arts-led and body-based approaches.

Eliza is a PhD candidate at Te Puna Wānanga within the University of Auckland. She has also been programme leader and lecturer for the Master of Creative Arts Therapy at Whitecliffe College, bringing extensive experience in tertiary teaching, facilitation and professional supervision.

Her work is relationally grounded, holistic and somatic, recognising the impact of stress and emotional load on school communities and the nervous system. Eliza creates gentle, supportive spaces where teachers can explore wellbeing using practical, arts-led tools that are adaptable to real classroom and school contexts.