Walk the Mile

Episode 53: Networks that build networks with Sally Loane

This conversation is with a former school board member, parent and media personality Sally Loane. We discuss what it takes to build communities in all sorts of settings and some of the obstacles to building community within our current environment. Sally’s experience on television, radio and through print media has provided her with many insights into what it takes to create and maintain strong communities. I hope you enjoy our chat.

Episode 52: Culturally Shifting with Ross and Sunny Lusted

Ross and Sunny Lusted are two of our Primary School parents. They have had years of working in the hospitality industry and together have created restaurants and hotels around the world. Through their travels, they have learnt many lessons about community, culture and people that can only come through experience. In this conversation, they share some of their learnings and how it has shaped what they do and who they are. I hope you enjoy our chat.
 

Episode 51: The Life of a Songwriter with Don Spencer

One of the great joys that I have received from standing at the gate each morning to greet the students is getting to know many of our neighbours. Don Spencer OAM is one of those people that I have got to know over the years and have enjoyed hearing his story. He has had a lifetime in the music industry, was a presenter on the ABC’s Playschool for many years and has established a charity which addresses the needs of the most vulnerable children in our society. In this conversation, Don shares his journey and what drives him to be the person that he is. I hope you enjoy our chat.

Episode 50: What Do You Think? with Eleanor Gordon Smith

I often hear people say they overthink things. But when can you do too much thinking? This conversation is with a former student, Eleanor Gordon-Smith (Class of 2009). Eleanor is a philosopher, academic and has been writing an advice column for the Guardian Australia for the last four years. She has also published a book titled “Stop Being Reasonable”. We discuss the value of thought, the nature of advice and why we seek it and the place that doubt has in our beliefs. It might all sound pretty deep but I can assure you that there are plenty of examples and anecdotes that makes this conversation easily accessible.

Episode 49: New Beginnings with Ashleigh Smith and Heidi Anderson

This episode addresses the issues that might occur when starting school: whether it be for the first time, a new school or a new year. Heidi Anderson (a very experienced Kindergarten teacher) and Ashleigh Smith (our current Year 7 Co-ordinator) talk about what is important when starting or returning to school. There are massive changes to consider and we know it can be overwhelming for some, students and parents alike. I hope you enjoy the conversation and find it to be helpful.

Life is a Drama - Part 2 with Elizabeth Butcher, Peter Eyers, Deborah Galanos, Charlotte Friels and Poppy Lynch

Here is the second part of our Walk The Mile Podcast “Life is a Drama” . This is our first attempt at doing a podcast LIVE!! It was recorded late last term and all of our guests (Elizabeth Butcher, Peter Eyers, Deborah Galanos, Charlotte Friels and Poppy Lynch) are people involved in the performing arts, particularly the theatre world. We talk about what they get from the stage, the highs and lows, the benefits and the drawbacks. I hope you enjoy it!

Episode 47: Life is a Drama Part 1 with Elizabeth Butcher, Peter Eyers, Deborah Galanos, Charlotte Friels and Poppy Lynch

This was our first attempt at doing a podcast LIVE!! Admittedly, I was worried how it might go, whether I could keep the style of conversation going in front of an audience and just having to adapt to a new concept. In the end, I think we experienced something quite different and it was great to feel the vibe in the Great Hall. This was recorded late last term and all of our guests (Elizabeth Butcher, Peter Eyers, Deborah Galanos, Charlotte Friels and Poppy Lynch) are people involved in the performing arts, particularly the theatre world. We talk about what they get from the stage, the highs and lows, the benefits and the drawbacks. This is the first part of the conversation and the second will be published next week.

Episode 46:The Parent Trap with Chris Barrett and Angela McLaughlin

Being a parent can be a rollercoaster of emotion, never really knowing what the person in your care is going to bring each day. Although there is plenty of advice out there, your child does not come with an instruction manual and it can feel like you are making it up as you go (speaking from firsthand experience here!). This is a conversation with a current parent at our Primary School, Angela McLaughlin, and a former parent and current staff member, Chris Barrett. Our discussion is about the highs and lows of parenting, the perspective of what you hope for as a young parent compared to the stuff you have learnt as a parent of adult children. It’s a very honest and reflective conversation which I found very helpful. I hope you do as well.

Episode 45: When a kid needs a home

It is estimated that in 2021, over 46 000 children were living in out of home care in Australia. And more and more kids get added to that number every day. The struggle to find adequate accommodation and care is also increasing. In this conversation, I speak to a parent within our community who has been a foster carer for a number of years, to a variety of children. She shares her own experience, the highs and lows, and the lessons that she has learnt through her experience. I found it a very enlightening and encouraging conversation and I hope you find it helpful.
This podcast contains material that some might find confronting or disturbing. Sometimes words or images can cause sadness or distress or trigger traumatic memories for people. For some people, these responses can be overwhelming. If you need to talk to someone, support is available.
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Parent Line: 1300 1300 52
Alcohol and Drug Support Line 1800 198 024
Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT)

Episode 44: Teaching about Learning with Cristi Wilsmore

Everyone in our society goes to school and you go to school to learn. But how do you do that? For many people, the act or process of learning is not so simple and can often have a huge impact one’s own identity and wellbeing. In this conversation, I speak to Cristi Wilsmore, the Deputy Head of Primary School (Teaching and Learning). Cristi explains what she has discovered about her own learning and the learning of others. We discuss the mechanics of learning and the need for listening and patience in discovering how different individuals learn. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.