Libsyn Directory

63. Parent Partnership Part 1: Why Schools Should Let Parents In

Release Date: 10/21/2024

75. Inside Literacy: How Children Really Learn to Love Reading

The Parent-Teacher Project

Reading is one of the most important foundations of a child’s learning, but how do we help children move beyond simply being able to read and develop a genuine love for books? In this episode of the Parent Teacher Project, we speak with Joshua Woolnough, primary teacher, mentor and literacy coach at Redfield College, about the role literacy plays in a child’s development and the simple ways families can nurture a culture of reading at home. The conversation also looks at the challenge of screens and distraction, the value of shared reading experiences within families, and how...

74. Discover the 'I Am A Teacher' Initiative

The Parent-Teacher Project

Teaching has never been easy, but many educators today are facing increasing pressures, growing workloads, and a profession that can sometimes feel isolating. In this episode, we speak with Eugene Choi and Milad Khalil from the Pared Foundation about the vision behind I Am A Teacher (IAT)—an initiative created to support teachers not just as professionals, but as people. They explore the importance of reconnecting educators with their original sense of purpose and how authentic community, personal growth, and renewal can help teachers move from simply surviving to truly flourishing. ...

73. "I Don’t Want to Go”: Helping Your Child Face School Anxiety

The Parent-Teacher Project

School refusal, anxiety around camps or school events, and the daily struggle of getting children out the door are becoming increasingly common challenges for families. In this episode, we speak with Dr Jenny Brown, an experienced child and family health practitioner with over 35 years working in child and adolescent mental health and founder of the Parent Hope Project. She offers a refreshing perspective grounded in family systems theory, helping parents understand the “worry cycle”, the difference between support and over-accommodation, and how staying calm,...

72. Helping Neurodiverse Kids Shine: The Power of Hobbies

The Parent-Teacher Project

How can hobbies help children grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and self-understanding? In this episode, we are joined by Abi Lee, who shares her personal journey with neurodiversity and how hobbies and interests have played a powerful role in shaping her identity. Together, they explore why hobbies are more than just “extra activities”—they are essential spaces where children, especially those who are neurodivergent, can thrive, connect, and discover their strengths. Discussion Points: What neurodiversity means and how it shapes the way children experience the world ...

[Rebroadcast] How To Raise Lifelong Learners

The Parent-Teacher Project

Daryl Castellino is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redfield College. He shares practical tips on how our children can become the best learners. In this episode, we talk about why it's so important that your child learns beyond the test. This episode is designed to help your child become a lifelong learner. You don't want to miss: Identifying your child's learning style Why we need to learn beyond the test Resources: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/childhood/professionals/support/egsls.pdf Related Episodes Helping Diverse Learners What Is Deep Learning...

71. Game Changers: How Sport Helps Kids to Thrive

The Parent-Teacher Project

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we speak with Nick Giorgiou, Head of Sport at Redfield College, father of four, and lifelong athlete, about how sport can shape the character of young people and help them thrive in today’s world. Nick shares how discipline, resilience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence learned through sport extend far beyond the playing field. He reflects on the life lessons that come from both victory and failure, and how sport offers young people a powerful space to grow in confidence, connection, and character. Discussion...

70. The Anxious Generation: Parenting in the Smartphone Age

The Parent-Teacher Project

In this thought-provoking episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, Alex Perrottet, Dean of Warrane College at UNSW sits down with Associate Professor Xavier Simmons, Master of Warrane College and Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at ACU, to unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among young people — and how smartphones, social media, and modern parenting might be shaping this “anxious generation.”. The conversation covers the importance of leading by example, the role of legislation in managing children’s access to social media, and the powerful influence of...

69. Nurturing Positive Body Image: What Parents Need to Know

The Parent-Teacher Project

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we sit down with dietitian and body image advocate Meg McClintock to discuss how parents and educators can help children develop a healthy, positive relationship with their bodies. From the impact of social media and “selfie culture” to the subtle messages children absorb at home, Meg shares practical strategies for fostering resilience in young people. Discussion Points: What “positive body image” really means — and why it’s not about constant self-admiration How today’s culture of constant photos and video...

68. The Parent's Guide to Emotion Coaching

The Parent-Teacher Project

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, host Lucia Garcia sits down with Manal Azzi, school counsellor at Tangara School for Girls and a therapist with over 15 years of experience. Together, they explore how parents can support their children's emotional development, model emotional regulation, and respond constructively to the emotional challenges children face at home and school. Discussion Points: Why Emotions Matter: Emotions are vital for healthy relationships and self-understanding. Ignoring them can lead to future challenges. Emotion...

67. Netflix’s Adolescence: A School Counsellor’s Thoughts

The Parent-Teacher Project

In this episode, we sit down with John Soulemezis, school counsellor at Redfield College, to unpack the Netflix series Adolescence. John shares insights on major themes the series raises around identity, masculinity, the online world, and emotional wellbeing. More importantly, he translates these themes into practical advice for parents, teachers, and anyone helping young men navigate today’s challenging landscape. Discussion Points: What Adolescence captures about the modern teenage experience The role of dialogue and open communication in building trust with boys Why healthy...

More Episodes

In this episode we welcome Mary Broadsmith, Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Melbourne, to discuss the role of parent engagement in schools. As the primary educators of their children, parents have a significant impact on their child’s education. Mary discusses how research consistently shows that active parental involvement boosts student flourishing and achievement, strengthens student-family bonds and even staff well-being.

Key Topics:

The Research-Backed Impact of Parent Engagement: Mary discusses how studies show that students with actively involved parents tend to perform better academically and overall, highlighting the long-term benefits of parent participation in their children’s education.

Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Partnership: She explores practical ways to foster open, effective communication between parents and teachers, creating a collaborative environment that supports student success and teacher wellbeing.

Boosting School Morale and Community Spirit: Mary explains how strong parent engagement not only benefits students but also improves staff morale and creates a more cohesive, supportive school community.

You can:

Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website 

Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday 

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