See what schools have to say about Jonathan Doyle’s seminars

Jonathan Doyle from Choicez Media facilitated the Yr 12 reflection day, which was held on Monday 20th June. He spoke to the girls about relationships in a compassionate and respectful manner while being very clear about Catholic teaching.

The feedback from the day was very positive, including inspiring College Captain, Madelaine Nash to make reference to Jonathan’s input in her address to the College the next day.

Mr. Patrick Jurd
Religious Education Coordinator
Ave Maria College

 

Jonathan, you connected, you affirmed, you entertained, you inspired, but most importantly, you imparted a wisdom that our society, with all it’s flaws, fails to deliver to our boys. Our young men walked out of that room ten feet taller and full of promise knowing that as young men they are all of great worth and have a vital role to play in our society. ,You empowered our students at a time when most feel that they have no control. I can’t thank you enough.

Megan Schibeci
Pastoral Care Coordinator
St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

 

The girls’ session was phenomenal. He won them over at the start by identifying their greatest fear and the boys’ greatest fear – and then worked from that point very successfully. He nailed the fears so well and they knew it. His reiteration of key messages and of “what I am not saying” were also very effective in keeping the girls receptive. I thought by the end of the session that he had achieved something remarkable; he had given every girl a very worthwhile understanding of the difference between a good and a bad relationship, and how to make better decisions.

The feedback from the girls has been very very positive. Girls (presumably sexually active) have expressed relief that he did not judge their “mistakes” but gave them a better understanding of past wrong moves. Other girls (not sexually active) thought that he said clearly what they believed but had not grasped i.e. were confused about so they are now more quietly confident about their decisions and particularly accept the first four steps of the twelve step courtship idea. All of the girls I have spoken to particularly highlighted how they could apply his guidelines particularly the one about working out whether a boy viewed them as a person or a conquest using the love definition – that definition of love was a great guide for them.

The girls have been talking about it here and there. Some have made passing remarks in the playground, others have commented in home room. I had an RE class as an extra on Tuesday and ended up being part of a group of four girls who went over the points Jonathon made.

He was the best life coach speaker I have every encountered. He made sense and he presented his beliefs very skillfully so that his audience were always attentive and receptive.

Cathy Harnack
John Paul College

 

Jonathan Doyle is able to engage the students like few others, whilst also opening their eyes to see more clearly some of the messages they are being feed by the media about relationships. His program gave them some really useful information they would hear from nowhere else and then led them to ponder, reflect and we hope make some great decisions for their future life and relationships. His reflection day has certainly touched the lives of some of our students in a deep way and been the impetus for some great changes in their lives.

Justin Duckett
Director of Faith & Outreach
Nazareth College

 

Jonathon visited John Paul College last week after being highly recommended. His message to our young adults of taking responsibility for themselves as they develop sexually in a world awash with mixed messages is so crucial. The traditional embarrassment of addressing these issues has been compounded in the information age in which our children have been raised. Jonathon’s ability to deliver this message is a gift at which we marvel.

Girls and boys alike responded to his genuineness, humour and energy. His ability to share at a depth not easily accomplished by the classroom teacher added another dimension to his poignant presentation.

Student responses after the day where overwhelmingly positive. Many chose to give immediate feedback via the ‘Choicez’ facebook page and reading these and other responses gives further insight into the impact which Jonathon’s message is having in our schools.

Fundamental to Jonathon’s success in reaching every person in the room is his inclusiveness, compassion and non-judgemental approach.

Mr Matt De Dassell
Ministry Coordinator
John Paul College

 

The Choicez seminars that we hold at the College are a very important part of the overall development of the young women at our school. Their understanding of who they are is integral to the role they play in both the school and the wider community. Jonathan and Karen are wonderful presenters and bring with them great wisdom and understanding of the issues young people face today.

Karen Rivalland
Vice Principal Faith and Mission
Our Lady of Mercy College

 

I wish to formally thank you for the wonderful presentation to our Year 11 and 12 boys yesterday afternoon. From the moment you began, I could tell you held them in the palm of your hand and they were profoundly touched by your words of wisdom.

I wish all our teachers could have seen you present to our students. Your passion, energy, sincerity and integrity made your teaching particularly effective. You handled some very difficult topics with wonderful manly dignity and this made every word you uttered credible. Such authentic witness by god men is sadly far too scarce, but it is exactly what adolescent males crave more deeply than they often appreciate.

We have been blessed and are richer for your visit.

Dr. Michael Downey
Assistant Principal

 

As a first-timer, I confess to being nervous about entrusting Jonathan with my Yr 12′s, especially given the sensitive nature of our Retreat topic of womanhood and sexuality. I need not have worried! On meeting Jonathan he immediately felt like a part of our “St Clare’s Family”. The girls trusted him wholeheartedly, responding with respect and awe, and embracing his words of wisdom. The messages were sent loud and clear, but in a way that was self-reflective, humourous and real. Jonathan is the perfect male role model and integrates the Christian faith, at times subliminally, with such finesse. The girls were left with positive thoughts both about themselves as women, and their future as maternal, feminine beings. They now know they have a place in this world, a purpose, and the right to be treated as valuable people. They gained a greater understanding of love and the knowledge that relationships are hard work. It was heartening to hear a student say “I think that talk just changed my life!.

Trish Brown
St Clare’s College

 

Jonathan Doyle is an extremely talented presenter who had our students eating out of the palm of his hand. His presentation on realtionships and sexuality is hugely engaging and poignant. Each year we hold a Dignity Week at our College, focusing on respect for women. Jonathan challenged our students to be ‘real men’ in our society, men who treated others with dignity and respect at all times. He challenged students to look at the world in which they live and choose the right path to develop into fine young men. Jonathan’s message is very clear. He engages students at their level and gives them a vehicle to discuss the issues not always raised within the school curriculum. Jonathan’s seminar had a huge impact on our boys, they have been talking about it ever since!

Marian Butler
Religious Education Coordinator
Marist College Penshurst

 

We have had the priveldge of having Jonathon Doyle for the past 2 years as a facilitator of our Year 11 Retreat program. Jonathon presents his material in a way that our boys relate to and his challenge is for our boys to become men who are respectful, participative within society and able to amke a difference in the lives of others.

Jonathon was able to focus upon the images and stereotyping of different models of masculinity promoted in the media. This raised the consciousness of this viewpoint in not only the boys present but also with the staff that were present. It highlighted the world in which our boys habitat and how it has changed in a relatively short period of time. Jonathon was able to highlight the importance of male sexuality from a Catholic viewpoint and his session on manhood and pornography provided an insight into the psychology of pornography addiction.

I have no hesitation in recommending Jonathon to you. I believe that his message is significant in today’s society and his engagement with our boys means that this message has more chance of getting through.

Chris Caldow
Deputy Headmaster
Saint Patrick’s College

 

At the end of last term, Mr. Jonathan Doyle of Choicez Media, conducted workshops with the Year 11 students. Jonathan is a nationally regarded presenter and writer in the area of young people and relationships and much work went into bringing him here. Thomas More College is the first South Australian school to take this initiative – and perhaps this indicates how much we in this community do for our young people.

The focus of these workshops for our students was on ‘positive expressions of sexuality’ and to this end we took the unusual step of having the boys for one day and, separately, the girls on the second day.

These days were immensely successful and the feedback from both boys and girls has been extraordinary. Jonathan challenged the boys on their understanding of masculinity, placing it firmly in the context of ‘taking on responsibility and care for others’. He questioned the prevailing popular ideas and images of maleness and instead encouraged the boys to think in terms of ‘becoming men’ – in the sense of being prepared to stand up bravely for good values.

The response from the girls was even more positive, to the point where a number of year 12 students, having heard about the day from their siblings and friends, asked if Jonathan could be made available to speak to them as well! Unfortunately, his booking schedule did not permit this – we were privileged to have him here when he did come.

The presentation dealt with some sensitive issues and in particular with ‘self-image’, both in physical and emotional terms. Factual material in relation to social expectations, health matters and sexual activity was presented and the girls were encouraged to think of acting from their own sense of self and their own needs rather than to simply respond to the pressures and expectations of others. Many felt both empowered and encouraged by Jonathan’s presentation. While he was here, Jonathan agreed to put some of his material to parents and staff, and on the evening of Monday 28 June a small group were privileged to participate in this presentation. There was much discussion following the talk, and it is hoped that if we manage to bring Jonathan back (as we hope to in 2011), more will be made of this opportunity in the future.

Dr. Frank McEvoy
St. Thomas More College – Adelaide.
APRIM

 

Jonathan spoke to our Year 12 Students at our Retreat. Most students felt that Jonathan’s session was one of the most valuable parts of the retreat.

They commented that Jonathan spoke ‘to’ them and not ‘at’ them. ‘Jonathan understands what teenagers are going through’

Jonathan keeps the audience attention because of the charismatic way that he delivers his message.

We will definitely be asking Jonathan to our Year 12 students every year.

Mr Shaun Lendrum
Year 12 Coordinator
Saint Francis Xavier College Canberra

 

Jonathan Doyle visited Campion College for a day of input on Leadership Development. He met with smaller and larger groups tailoring his message to the needs of that particular setting. Jonathan bought a combination of well researched material, broad experience and a wonderful ability to connect with his audience. His ability to deliver a tailored message with humour, warmth and strong convictions was incredibly well received by both students and staff. Jonathan was both professional and flexible, serving the College in a way that met our needs. Young people are drawn to him, his capacity to communicate is of a very high level and his teachings invaluable. I recommend him highly as both a very effective communicator and mentor in leadership development.

John Parmentier
Campion College

 

Jonathan Doyle offered insightful solutions to the problems of so many millennial boys who are failing to launch into productive adulthood. He expertly presented to our boys and their parents a rich audio and visual experience with a clear recipe for helping boys to find purpose in their lives. The presentation involved humour and wonderful stories that resonates with young men. Two of the major themes of the presentation focussed on how boys are navigating their testosterone-driven journey to adulthood and that hands-on fatherhood was what was needed to teach sons self-control and help them become well-balanced men. Jonathan also spoke about the assault on the values, self-esteem and emotional stability of boys is driven by stealth advertising, a rampant consumer culture and unfiltered new technologies, which expose boys to explicit pornography and violent fantasy worlds packaged as entertainment. Jonathan presented facts and resources beyond those of our classroom teachers and I look forward to continuing to work with Jonathan in the years ahead.

Scott James
Deputy Headmaster
Knox Grammar School

 

On Monday afternoon we had a twilight retreat with our year 12. Jonathon was our guest speaker. To give these students credit, they are a thoughtful, perceptive and responsive group. Regardless, Jonathon had every one of these students in wrapt attention for the entire 4 ½ hours that followed.

He spoke to them of the differences between young men and women in a way that gave them a desire to be true to, and fully respectful of, themselves. He helped them to love themselves – in such a short period of time. He challenged them to bring a greater sense of humanity with them into their relationships in a way that society, as a whole, seems to have lost the ability to do.

His passion for the good of the individuals in the room was paramount. He is an inspiring speaker but not a symbol clanging. Faith and hope for the future generation of young men and women emanates from his every word. The students that I spoke to afterwards were in awe.

When I asked if anyone wanted to say anything to him afterwards, the whole room simply said “Thank you so much” as if a collective weight had been taken off them. Jonathon helped them to understand, better, who they were and identify the pressures they are under as individuals questing towards adulthood in a society where the message is overwhelmingly about self gratification in a facile manner.

He was inspiring.

I have listened to Jonathon speak twice now and every time the presentation is different and exceptional. To quote two students I spoke to yesterday “I don’t know how much you paid for Jonathon, but he was worth every cent.

Carroll College Broulee
Judy Whiting

 

Thank you Jonathan for bringing to light a message that some would say is lost among our world today.

You were humble and passionate, we believed in you as you spoke from the heart. It was clear that this wasn’t just a job for you but definitely a vocation.

We, the staff and students of Thomas Carr College will definitely take away more than you know from this seminar, whether it is today, tomorrow or five years from now.

I heard a saying once, ?God will offer you the time, talent and resources if you offer your will’…you have definitely offered your will Mr Jonathan Doyle. May God bless you!

Anne Berardinelli
Director of Religious Education
Thomas Carr College, Melbourne

 

The year 12 Personal Development Day was an enormous success and this is attributed to Jonathan’s presentation. The students received Jonathan warmly and his questions of:

“What does it mean to be a man?” and,
“How do you know when you are a man?”

…were particularly relevant for young men soon to experience their independence away from the nurturing and supportive environment that a school can provide.

Jonathan’s willingness to disclose some of his personal experiences, his unquestioning love for his wife and family and his passion for the welfare of young men was also well received by students and staff.

Jonathan’s presentation blends contemporary media images; music, humour and his connection with the boys was obvious through their engagement.

At times his content was serious and thought provoking and challenged some of the boys’ thinking but his message was one of optimism that men have the power to serve others, make a difference in their own lives and that society will benefit in positive ways as a result of their efforts.

Jonathan is without question an excellent role model of what it means to be a man.

Marg McPhee
Personal Development Coordinator
De La Salle College (Melbourne)

 

The day Jonathan spent with our boys will certainly be one that they remember.

He openly and honestly discussed the issues facing young men today in a way that was direct, real and most importantly sensitive to the background, culture, faith and situations and experiences of our boys.

Our students were taken by Jonathan and the way he used his own person story to teach them about what is means to be a young man in today’s society, with all its complexities and sometimes confusing images and choices.

The boys have continued to talk about the day in a way I haven’t heard before – they have become positive and excited about the journeys and challenges ahead.

Nadia Knight
Director of Religious Education
Salesian College Melbourne

 

The Year 11 class of 2010 at the College presented some special issues which needed to be addressed in the most positive and dynamic way possible. In this co-ed school, we felt it important to work with the boys towards re-defining their concept of masculinity, to challenge their assumptions and to question their behaviours: and equally, we wanted to work with the girls to build their self esteem and to empower them in their relationships.

Jonathan undertook to present two different programs, one for the boys and another for the girls, to take account of these objectives. We took the unusual step of separating the year level and working with an all-boys group one day and all-girls the next.

Jonathan’s presentation gripped both groups right from the start – you could have heard a pin drop while he was speaking. The students were attentive, engaged and responsive throughout the whole day – because the material was relevant to their lives and spoke to their needs. There was a buzz of excitement at every break as students chatted with mates and friends about what they had just heard. And this ‘excitement’ continued well beyond the day itself, with students connecting to the website, talking with brothers, sisters and friends from other year levels – and even their parents! The response was such that I was confronted with a significant level of demand from other year levels, especially the 12s, for their turn! When students have this sort of response, something special indeed must have happened.

It is important also to say that the staff, universally, were also immensely impressed with this day. We recognised that this was not something we could do ourselves. The presentation had authority, authenticity and a passion which carried a most significant and empowering message. We have already booked Jonathan to return next year.

Dr. Frank McEvoy
APRIM
Thomas More College

 

Thank you Jonathan for sharing your message with our students, staff and parents.

You are such an energetic and engaging speaker with an obvious passion for young people and their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The students took so much away from your presentations. You have given them so much to consider about making a difference to their own lives and the lives of others.
Thank you.

Meaghan Tucker
Acting APRE
Marist College Emerald

 

I appreciate the significant work you do in preparing young people for life based on Catholic principles and the value and dignity of the human person.

Mr Stephen Elder
Director of Catholic Education
Archdiocese of Melbourne

 

It was great hosting you at Woodlawn and uplifting watching you at work. It is a long time since I have seen the Catholic view of sexuality put so credibly and palatably. I felt a strong sense of resonance.

Mr. Glenn Roff
Principal
St. John’s College Woodlawn.

 

I would like to pass on my thanks for the sessions you ran at the Year 12 Retreat. The feedback was very positive about the input you provided. The students said it was relevant, informative and challenging.

Mr. Angus Tulley
Principal
St. Francis Xavier College

 

I just want to thank you so much for making such a huge effort to come to Melbourne with your family to speak at The Big Event last weekend. You and Jonathan did such a wonderful job and truly blessed our event with your joy, wisdom and love. Thank you for being such a beautiful witness with the students. I have received such positive feedback and I know many of the students were challenged but deeply impacted by your presentation both in the morning and afternoon. Thank you for being so open and helping us in this mission at ACU. I truly hope that there will be many more future opportunities to work together here on mission!

Thérèse Nichols
Australian Catholic University

 

We would just like to thank you again for making the trip over here…You were a big hit with both audiences, but particularly with the young ones!

Dr. Audrey Tan
Executive Director
Family Enrichment Society – Singapore

 

Thank you for your most inspiring talk at The Headmasters’ Conference. The feedback on the Sunday evening and during the Monday meeting was extremely positive.

Mr. Andrew Mullins Headmaster
Redfield College Chairman
The Headmasters’ Conference of New South Wales.

 

Thank you for the services you continue to provide to young people and educators.

Most Rev. John A Dew
Archbishop of Wellington

 

I commend your excellent work in a very important area.

Most Rev. Bishop Julian Porteous DD VG

 

Never before have I seen this topic covered in such a way that young people not only listen but are still talking about it months later. If that’s not a recommendation…what is. Karen and Jonathan’s presentation was not only solid but balanced.

Diector of National youth Programs.

 

Through their presenation style, Jonathan and Karen model for teachers practical ways to engage young people in open, honest dialogue. Many staff have commented that they felt empowered by the CHOICEZ teaching style and prorgam resources.

Director of Education

 

See what students have to say about Jonathan Doyle’s seminars

I really did not expect today to affect me as it did. You have a profound ability to inspire change and alternate thinking in people who would otherwise have such a message of life and love lost on them. You have taught me a reverence I won’t forget, thank you.

K

 

Thanks for today, it was very inspiring

L

 

Truly opened my eyes, and I’m sure all the other girls’ eyes as well

C

 

Friday the 13th November as a lucky day for Casimir Catholic College, Marrickville; we had the good fortune to have Jonathan Doyle in our midst. Jonathan is the Director of Choicez Media and he gave our Year 10 and 11 students (co-ed) a seminar day on Sexuality and Values. Teachers and students alike were very engaged with Jonathan’s message and style of delivery. Following is an evaluation indicative of our student’s response to the day.

Choicez Media Direcor, Jonathan Doyle empowered and shed light on one of the most daunting topics for teenagers: sex, dating and relationships. Jonathan gave us a much needed opportunity to delve into the meaning of these topics including pornography and the impact the media has on uas. Through his open and honest presentation, he had the entire hall vaptivated, silent and awestruck; he opened our eyes to the true meaning and significance of sex and love, a truly misinterpreted and misconceived concept teenagers struggle with. Jonathan explained to us that “sex is good, it is not bad” and that it was our choice; he empowered us to lead, choose and justify our own choices and lives, in terms of sex dating and relationships. The silence was amazing – with every word the student body grew in strength and understanding of what real love is, what real strength and real courage is. He expressed to us his simple and most precise definition of what love is – it is the willing of all good on another.

Jonathan enlightened us on the impact of media on our sexual development and the fears of all women and men, who we would grow up to be. He gave us an opportunity to discuss pornography, a topic rarely talked about and discussed about in our daily teenage lives. Mr Jonathan Doyle did not judge us, nor did he make anyone uncomfortable, but he was honest and open, something respected by the students at Casimir. A truly empowering honest and enlightening seminar, a day to be remembered and talked about by all Yrs 10 and 11.

Year 11 Student

 

I would like to just share with you my gratitude and appreciation of your answers to questions that I was only beginning to realize or had never had the courage to ask.

The impact of your seminar has brought me closer to the person I aspire to be, and it has rekindled my hope of becoming a man, not a boy.

I never knew that I would see such inspirational qualities in another person and I hope that all children are able to experience such teachings and knowledge. The integrity of your words and your teachings will always be held in high esteem. And I can never thank you enough.

Year 12 Student

 

I didn’t get a chance to talk to you yesterday but you came to my school and did a presentation. Firstly, I just wanted to thank you. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Unfortunately I had to leave early but I drove the entire way home with my music off.. Just numb, I didn’t realise I had tears coming down my face until I got near home. Your presentation made such an impact..

I always conclude there’s something wrong with me, because of issues, because of the way I think.. But yesterday, your description of what young women experience…it was me! Sadly problems and all. But presenting us with ways out, it was just .. Wow.

Okay, I’m ranting.. Pretty much I just wanted to say thanks, because you’re defiantly making a difference.

Year 12 Student

 

Usually when we have guest speakers visit I find them so dull and boring, but I was so moved by what you had to say. It really got through to me and I thank you for that! Good luck in the future and I hope what you say can get through to others because it certainly got through to me. I was amazed at how much you know and personally I think everything you said was correct!

Student.

 

Thank you so much to Jonathan Doyle…our school was lucky to hear from him twice. He was great! He told us a lot of things that no one has ever said or will ever say again. What you said definitely makes a lot of sense. If only all teens my age could hear your talk.

Year 12 Student

 

Thank you, for the best two days I have ever had at school.

Year 11 Student – St. Patrick’s College

 

10 minutes into the first session it was clear you really understood what most of us go through

Year 11 Student – Adelaide

 

Amazing seminar day that will never be forgotten

Year 10 Student – St Thomas Moore College

 

Thanks for providing me with what I needed in my life right now and that’s the truth about human sexuality and the dignity it deserves.

Student

 

Everything was explained clearly and was very useful information. It was heaps funny and deserves a 10/10

Year 10 Student Sydney

 

The best day that we ever had.

Year 10 Student Sydney

 

Today was very inspiring and I had a great day.

Year 10 Student Sydney

 

I thought it was very inspiring and taught me alot, excellent.

Year 10 Student Sydney

 

Cheers mate, your experience has given us the strength to guide us in the right direction

Year 10 Student Sydney

 

Most of the things you talked about I never thought about in the way you taught us, so thanks very much.

Student

 

You guys are fantastic! Keep up the good work. This stuff is probably more relevant to young people than anything else. You guys have got style.

Student

 

The pornographic talk was good but shame it couldn’t be longer cuz we don’t learn it at school.

Student

 

I would have liked the whole session on pornography; porn isn’t something they teach us at school.

Student

 

This session was so effective and made a big difference. You are so dedicated and genuine, really caring about the people. Hopefully you will be able to come into my school because there are so many girls who need to hear this.

16 yr old delegate at a National Youth Festival

See what parents have to say about Jonathan Doyle’s seminars

I just want to give some positive feedback. My beautiful daughter, heard you today in Melbourne and since she walked through the door, she has not stopped talking what you said today. She thought it was amazing and raved about your presentation style and connection with the kids. She was especially impressed by the obvious love you have for your wife!

Well done!

 

My son came home from his college with lots of positives about the seminar he enjoyed today. My other son travels a lot with sport and he does Distance Education. Do you ever do seminars for them? I think it would be fantastic if you held one of your seminars for those students. If not is there any other way my 14yo son could attend one of your seminars?

 

Just letting you know for what it’s worth – Jonathan has been to my daughter’s college a few times along with his wife and has the students eating out of their hands. Apparently they relate very well to the students and don’t look to criticise but to see all points of view. They are incredibly popular.

Parent Feedback