In this episode, we speak to Gemma Roberts, a passionate teacher and leader, whose approach to education can be summed up in one word—joy. Gemma shares her experiences in teaching and leadership, highlighting the power of maintaining a positive mindset and the joy that comes with being an educator.

We discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for students, empowering others through leadership, and navigating the dynamics of multicultural classrooms. Gemma emphasizes celebrating small wins, identifying barriers to success, and inspiring students to pursue their dreams. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders, stressing the importance of openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning.

Join us for an uplifting conversation with Gemma Roberts, where you’ll discover how joy, reflection, and empowerment can transform both teaching and leadership. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking inspiration and practical tips for cultivating positivity in the classroom and beyond.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cCJdMSbEsJI

In this episode, Jake Petterwood, principal of Settlers Primary School, discusses the crucial role that school culture plays in student performance. He shares his experience in fostering a positive culture at Settlers Primary by focusing on communication, consistency, credibility, and reducing staff workload.

Jake emphasizes the importance of creating trust and transparency within the school community, building strong relationships, and actively engaging parents. He also shares his unique approach to minimizing meetings, instead prioritising effective communication through emails. Jake believes success is an ongoing process and encourages seeking mentorship and learning from experienced educators.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jake Petterwood as he provides practical strategies for cultivating a thriving school environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders dedicated to fostering a strong, collaborative school culture.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/sqiMYSKF28M

In this episode, we hear from Natasha Upcott, the principal of Mandurah Primary School, as she shares her powerful journey of overcoming adversity and leading with confidence. From growing up in a hotel in Hong Kong to facing domestic violence as an adult, Natasha has encountered significant challenges. Through self-reflection and personal growth, she has emerged as a stronger leader, making a positive impact on her school and community.

Natasha discusses the importance of setting boundaries, being present in the moment, and prioritising self-care. She also shares how her father's mantra, "If you want it bad enough, you can make it work," has guided her through life's toughest moments.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natasha Upcott, and learn how resilience, self-awareness, and determination can empower you to lead with confidence, no matter the challenges you face. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/Qu9iYe7Ls1E

Meet Daniela Falecki, the human dynamo and passionate advocate for teacher wellbeing. In this episode, we delve into Daniela's new book, "Thrive," and explore strategies to help teachers navigate the highs and celebrations of teaching, as well as the lows and stressful times.

Daniela Falecki, a dedicated educator and wellbeing consultant, shares her journey in teaching and the challenges she faced. She emphasises the high demands and pressures of the profession and discusses who bears the responsibility for teacher wellbeing—whether it’s the individual teacher, the principal, or the system as a whole. We explore the factors causing stress in education and what can be done to address them.

Daniela introduces the three M's of resilience—mindset, mood, and momentum—as crucial elements for boosting wellbeing. Her book, "Thrive: Practical Strategies to Nourish Teacher Well-Being," offers practical advice for educators to prioritise their own wellbeing. Daniela shares her experience of writing the book, her passion for teaching, and her love for developing resources.

We also discuss the two parts of her book: the 'what and why' of teacher wellbeing and her 'thrive' model. Daniela emphasises the importance of time management, building relationships, connecting with values, and understanding and regulating emotions for teacher wellbeing. She explains that staff wellbeing is essential for creating a high-performance school and shares her own strategies for self-care and finding her happy place.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Daniela Falecki, and gain valuable insights into prioritising wellbeing in the teaching profession. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to thrive in their careers and create a supportive and high-performance school environment.

To find out more about Daniela Falecki's work, check out her website here- Home - Teacher Wellbeing (teacher-wellbeing.com.au)

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/jokTYwq2JY0

In this episode, we sit down with Katrina Bourke, a leadership and wellbeing expert, who shares her inspiring journey from being a teacher to becoming a passionate leader. Katrina emphasizes the importance of autonomy and self-awareness in leadership and delves into the challenges and vulnerabilities that leaders face.

Katrina introduces the concept of sacred ground, a space where leaders align their vision and values to create a positive impact. She highlights the significance of having a support network consisting of insiders, off-siders, and outsiders, each providing unique perspectives and guidance.

Katrina also discusses her upcoming book, which focuses on showing up bravely and vulnerably as a leader, encouraging leaders to be their best selves.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Katrina Bourke and discover how to navigate the complexities of leadership while prioritizing wellbeing and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with courage and make a meaningful impact.

To find out more about Katrina Bourke's work, check out her website here- Home - Katrina Bourke

To listen to the podcast with Jerry Lynch, referred to by Katrina in this interview click here- https://youtu.be/QGDfHuV1QnU?feature=shared

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/g0rVkpCTbHo

Lesley Barrett, the Principal of Neerigen Brook Primary School, leads a marginalized school where 36 different languages are spoken and 25% of the population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Over the past eight years, Lesley has made incredible strides in transforming the school, its staff, the community, and the students.

In this episode, Lesley shares the courageous steps she took to implement changes that made a significant impact. She emphasizes the power of conversations and relationship-building, highlighting the need for constant and consistent dialogue among all members of the school community. Lesley also discusses building capacity within students, staff, and administration to support and enhance children's educational journeys.

Lesley stands by the school's motto, "Strive to Achieve," and talks about the importance of embracing and helping the community to overcome barriers to student learning. She shares her wealth of knowledge and the efforts that have led to the creation of a yarning circle—a symbol of inclusivity and community spirit that has grown into something much bigger than she initially envisioned.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Principal Lesley Barrett and learn how her dedication and vision have brought about transformative change. This episode is a must-listen for courageous educators seeking inspiration and practical insights into fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Dr. Selena Fisk, renowned as the data storyteller, joins us to reveal the transformative power of data analysis in education. With a unique approach, Selena demonstrates how measuring student disposition and behaviours directly impacts achievement.

In this episode, Selena shares her three-prong approach: data literacy, data visualisation, and data storytelling. She transforms numbers and scores into compelling human journeys, showing how effective written and verbal feedback drives student progress. Along the way, we explore numerous stories that illustrate the profound impact of data on education.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Selena Fisk and gain invaluable tips on improving your data storytelling in the classroom or your school. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of data to enhance educational outcomes.

To find out more about Dr Selena Fisk's work, check out her website here- https://www.selenafisk.com/

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/ctJb7RpN-mU

David Wanstall began his teaching career at Halls Creek District High School in a remote town in the Kimberleys. Now, with 38 years of experience, he serves as a Director of Education, having worked in diverse schools and contexts.

In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of school culture, setting behaviour expectations for students and staff, and making courageous decisions that drive student learning and staff growth. David also shares the inspiring story of how he and two other principals formed the Coalition of Schools to define and implement explicit instruction effectively.

Join us as David shares his passion for creating a positive and engaging learning environment, not just for his staff and students, but for the entire community. This episode offers valuable insights into the role of leadership in fostering an enriching educational atmosphere.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/RhhOfH1n1YY