Auscast Network Extra

CEO and Founder Anna Vermooten joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) to share how Parents Battle of the Bands (parentsbattleofthebands.com) grew from a St Kilda idea into a movement. This audio-only conversation captures the energy of community music. It also reveals how parent bands can strengthen connections between families and schools. From the first rehearsal room jokes to a packed Prince Bandroom, Anna traces the project’s unlikely rise. Ticket proceeds flow back into school music programs. Therefore, each gig doubles as a fundraiser and a catalyst for arts participation. Along the way, friendly rivalry, sing-alongs, and clever set lists turn busy parents into confident performers. However, the story is about shows. Anna explains how one enthusiastic parent at each school becomes the spark. Word of mouth travels across playgrounds and sports courts. As a result, new bands form, venues come on board, and momentum builds. Importantly, the model sits outside formal school administ

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis welcomes Danni Mattiazzo, assistant principal at Larrakeyah Primary School (larrakeyahprimary.com.au) in Darwin. Recently recognised with the Australian Education Award for Best Use of Technology, Danni Mattiazzo shares how her leadership has guided the development of IntelliLearn, a locally built platform that blends artificial intelligence with evidence-based assessment. Designed to give just the right level of support, IntelliLearn helps teachers differentiate learning while empowering students to take ownership of their progress. Throughout the discussion, Danni explains how her school integrates Bright Path to transform writing assessment into an accessible, student-friendly process. She highlights the importance of avoiding information overload, showing how carefully crafted feedback builds confidence instead of discouragement. From using data maps to track student growth to embedding collaborative “sprints&rdq

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Ryan Ma, assistant principal of Saltwater P–9 College, one of Australia’s fastest-growing schools. Since opening its gates in 2019 with 490 students, Saltwater has expanded to more than 2,200 learners in just six years. With families representing over 29 nationalities and 81 languages, the school is a living snapshot of modern multicultural Australia. Ryan explains how Saltwater balances the opportunities and challenges of such rapid growth. From welcoming new families every week to ensuring academic quality across a staff of 250 teachers, the college has re-imagined what it means to create belonging on a large scale. For students, being the “new kid” is a short-lived experience; soon replaced by another arrival: fostering a culture of welcome and adaptability. Central to Saltwater’s philosophy is the International Baccalaureate framework, with its emphasis on inquiry, student agency,

In this episode of Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School’s Bullengerook campus (https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary This is Going to Be Big, (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big) which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham. Darcy shares how a “yes, and” philosophy helped transform the school’s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunit

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis is joined by Jason Mustin, assistant principal at Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Palmerston, Northern Territory. Drawing from 17 years in education and an early career in medical science, Jason Mustin brings a unique blend of analytical insight and heartfelt leadership to the table. From navigating national education policy through a Territory lens to building genuine student connection in a transient workforce, Jason shares grounded, deeply reflective perspectives on what great leadership looks like in remote Australian contexts. He discusses the importance of creating clarity amid complexity, strategies for engaging digitally native teens, and how fostering identity and resilience starts with listening, not lecturing. The conversation explores how staff turnover is managed through shared values like “connect before content,” and how culture-building is sustained through a radically welcoming mindset. Jason also unpacks how working c

In this episode of Around the School Table, Ben Sacco offers a fresh perspective on classroom behaviour. Drawing from his book ‘Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!’, he challenges traditional approaches to student discipline and reframes disruption as a signal, not simply a setback. With a decade of experience in education, policy, and innovation, he blends research and real-world strategies for today’s schools. This interview explores the three underlying causes of disruption: intentional choices, personal challenges, and survival responses. Each requires a different approach. Rather than applying blanket consequences, Ben advocates for non-intrusive accountability, responding with both empathy and structure. Listeners will learn how to create psychologically safe classrooms that support both teachers and students. When the right conditions are in place, explicit teaching becomes far more effective. Ben explains how teachers can build these environments through relation

Cameron Peverett may have stumbled into special education, but his leadership journey has been anything but accidental. In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis is joined by Cameron Peverett, principal at Lake Colac School and current president of the Principal Association of Specialist Schools (PASS). From humble beginnings and unexpected opportunities to pioneering best-practice leadership, Cameron shares a refreshingly candid account of what it takes to lead in the complex, rewarding world of specialist education. Driven by a “yes, and” mindset, Cameron reflects on how his adaptability and commitment to equity have shaped his leadership approach across several Victorian specialist schools. He explains how instructional leadership, strong school culture, and trust-building strategies combine to transform student and staff outcomes, especially in schools where disadvantage is a daily reality. Listeners will gain insight into the systems Cameron uses to support teachers while r

In this episode, Kristy Miller and Suzanne Litchfield share their journey founding Turrun Primary School on a greenfield site. In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis explores how they built a school identity rooted in local Indigenous language and meaning. From day one, Principal Kristy Miller and Assistant Principal Suzanne Litchfield focused on core values—respect, care, kindness and personal best—as the heartbeat of every decision. This audio interview covers how they handled constant change and heavy cognitive loads. They explain their innovative hiring: prioritising “good humans” over skill sets and trusting gut instincts. Discover how they navigated Australia’s teacher shortage by sticking firmly to their high standards—even if that meant non-appointments. The pair also explain why they’re transforming open-plan learning spaces into calmer, wall-based classrooms, supported by evidence on reducing cognitive overload in students. You’ll

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza from North Mandurah Primary School in Western Australia. Kendall Lange, the principal, and Wendy Tregenza, leader of the school’s Specialised Learning Programs for Autism (SLP-A), share real-world strategies for supporting autistic students and fostering inclusive school communities. Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza explore how schools have shifted from one-size-fits-all methods towards personalised support that embraces every student’s strengths. They offer insights into recognising invisible disabilities, setting individual education plans (IEPs), and building a culture where all students feel happy, connected, and successful. The conversation covers the complexities of autism diagnosis, emphasising collaboration between schools, families, and medical professionals. Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza highlight how tools like visual timetables, break cards, and token economies help autistic stu

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis talks with Paul James, ICT Manager at St Ignatius College in Geelong—a school where technology is no longer confined to the IT office but woven through every aspect of school life. From cybersecurity to AI-driven classroom tools, James is helping reshape how schools operate, protect, and innovate. As the person responsible for all things with an electric current—from audiovisual systems to network security—James explains how artificial intelligence is creating safer, smarter learning environments. Using tools like Darktrace, the school’s network learns to recognise normal behaviour and can detect threats in real time, reducing manual monitoring and freeing up valuable time. But AI isn’t just bolstering security. James and his team are experimenting with AI platforms like Kurszer and ChatGPT to solve real operational challenges. From automating learning management tasks to developing user-friendly dashboards that help ed

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Anthony Rowe, principal of Huntingdale Primary School in Melbourne — a pioneering bilingual school where students navigate their learning in both English and Japanese from their very first day. With half the curriculum delivered in Japanese, including subjects like mathematics—the school challenges traditional education models and is achieving remarkable academic outcomes. Rowe explains that far from being a barrier, bilingual education enhances student capability, building resilience and cognitive flexibility. Mathematics, often described as a language in itself, proved the ideal entry point for the school’s 50/50 bilingual programme. The results speak for themselves: Huntingdale’s mathematics outcomes significantly outperform similar schools across Victoria, a testament to both pedagogy and perseverance. Beyond the numbers, Huntingdale fosters cultural fluency and global citizenship. With students from over 40 c

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis talks with Craig Ainsworth from Westport Public School about how a modest chess program in a low socio-economic school achieved elite educational outcomes over 18 years. Far from just a lunchtime club, Craig’s program developed students’ physical control, emotional intelligence, intellectual stamina, and creative thinking—all through the game of chess. Ainsworth shares that success wasn’t about innate giftedness, but about effort and process. Using a structured approach—such as the KM-PPS framework (King safety, Material, Pawn structure, Position, Space)—students learned to handle pressure, make strategic decisions, and apply consistent critical thinking under stress. Chess became more than a game; it was a vehicle for building resilience and a growth mindset. The program had broad academic impacts, boosting students’ performance in both maths and literacy. Notably, it also shattered stereotypes: many of the

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Nikki Bonus, founder of Life Skills Group and the digital platform Life Skills Go. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of emotional intelligence, student well-being, and readiness to learn—arguing that emotional regulation is foundational to academic success. Bonus explains how Life Skills Go serves as a “student-facing technology for good” by helping children identify and manage their emotions daily. Drawing on neuroscience and trauma-informed practices, the platform provides real-time data on students’ emotional states, offering teachers actionable insights without disrupting classroom learning. One example: a quick morning check-in reveals if a student is emotionally regulated and ready to learn. If not, teachers are equipped to engage with empathy rather than discipline. Central to the platform’s philosophy is the understanding that emotions aren't good or bad—they’re data. Reco

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis visits Leigh Johnson, principal of Harkaway Primary School—a small, 150-year-old school nestled in Victoria’s scenic hills. Despite its modest size and absence from the national spotlight, Harkaway has gained international recognition for its innovative, student-centred approach to education, especially around resilience and disaster preparedness. Johnson describes Harkaway’s unique charm, rooted in deep community ties and aesthetic appeal. Many families bypass other schools to enroll there, drawn by its relational culture and meaningful learning experiences. The school’s educational philosophy is anchored in a "child-centred disaster risk reduction" manifesto developed collaboratively with students and experts. Its four pillars are: involving children in learning about risks, dismantling outdated myths, connecting students with real-world experts, and empowering them to teach peers. The school’s learning environment en

Andy, Matt & Rosie sit down on the couch and hang out. Thanks to the Brighton Trophy Centre, Podmo & The Auscast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent legal setback for David McBride, an Australian former army lawyer who leaked classified documents alleging war crimes by Australian forces in Afghanistan. McBride lost his appeal to reduce his prison sentence for these actions, with the court rejecting his argument that his oath to the Queen mandated acting in the "public interest" by exposing the alleged crimes. The source highlights the controversy surrounding McBride's imprisonment as he is the only individual incarcerated regarding the Afghanistan war crime allegations, while other military personnel facing serious accusations have yet to stand trial or have had their cases dismissed. McBride's lawyers plan to appeal to the High Court, arguing that exposing a crime should not be considered a crime, and also sought a government pardon for their client.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Report on the reunification of Australia's Liberal and National parties, a conservative coalition that briefly split after a recent election defeat. The two parties, which typically represent urban and rural interests respectively, have historically worked together for decades. Differences over policy, including nuclear energy and regional matters, led to their temporary separation. Sussan Ley, the new Liberal Party leader, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership, while the article also notes the significant losses the coalition experienced in the recent election compared to the incumbent Labor Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed Environment Minister Murray Watt has granted preliminary approval for Woodside to extend the operation of the significant North West Shelf gas project until 2070, despite a lengthy approval process and prior delays. This decision, made with strict conditions to mitigate air emissions affecting the ancient Murujuga rock art, comes amidst strong opposition from environmental groups and some Indigenous representatives. Furthermore, a draft UNESCO decision citing damaging emissions impacted a bid for the Murujuga site to gain World Heritage status. The Prime Minister has previously indicated the necessity of gas for stabilizing the energy grid alongside renewable expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monkey Safari & Eli & Fur - Oceanside (Monkey Safari Rmx)  Yulia Niko, Plez - Can't Stop (Kenny Dope O'Gutta Rmx)  The Deepshakerz & Gasparian ft Tasita D'Mour - Keep On Rising  Hugel, TEDDY-O - Champs In The Rave  Padé Livin R - Misirlou Saliva Commandos - Desesperada Shay dT - Too Good  The Angels (IL) - Cema Cema Cema *SoulGood Selection Featured Guest: David Penn F Mix Wally Lopez - Inspire to Make a Difference  David Vendetta, WNOISE ft Ekaterina Michel - Feel It  Rick Pier O'Neil, Elan Myles - Jellyfish  D-Formation, Matan Caspi - Maisha  New York Minute & Final Fifteen With ExactaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yamil, G.Zamora - Vientos llegan  Nico de Andrea, Erolflynn - With You  Soul Avengerz - Hurts On You (The Deepshakerz Remix)  Supernova - Having A Good Time  ARKADYAN, GROSSOMODDO - Iag Bari  Tayllor, Mestiza - Enamora Saliva Commandos - Ma Ma Lo  Ninetoes - See Thru You *SoulGood Selection   Featured Guest: Carl Kennedy   F Mix Catz 'n Dogz, Nala - Dance!  Jerome Sydenham - Ma Foom Bey (Jerome Sydenham 2025 Pump Mix)  Bob Sinclar, David Hopperman & Michael Ekow - Take It Easy on Me (David Hopperman Remix) &lez - Savage     New York Minute & Final Fifteen With ExactaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.