Auscast Network Extra

Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au) joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away. First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help s