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, and multiple perspectives. Ryan shares how this approach allows students to move beyond rote learning into deeper, critical engagement with global issues, while also leveraging the diversity of the school community itself as a learning resource.

Staff retention and collaboration are also front and centre. Instead of isolated teaching roles, Saltwater builds faculty teams that plan and problem-solve together, much like diagnostic teams in hospitals. Teachers share insights, support each other, and collectively tackle challenges.

Data plays a pivotal role too. Inspired by the film Moneyball, Ryan demonstrates how tools like Student Maps is used to track progress, support teachers, and ensure strategies are effective. Rather than relying solely on instinct, evidence helps Saltwater refine practice and maintain consistency at scale.

Looking ahead, Ryan reflects on the future of education in Point Cook and beyond. With technology transforming access to information, he argues that schools must focus on relationships, resilience, and collaboration; the skills that will define success in the twenty-first century.

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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 opportunities.

From the documentary’s origin, sparked by a student’s heartfelt declaration, “This is going to be big” - to the decision to weave John Farnham’s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.

The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.

Whether you’re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what’s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.

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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 closely with Indigenous communities has reshaped his understanding of connection to land, and why humility and curiosity are essential in leading schools in the Territory.

This episode offers rich, real-world insights for educators looking to lead with integrity, harness change with optimism, and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in remote regions. Whether you’re in a classroom, leadership role, or education policy, this discussion with Jason Mustin will leave you inspired and ready to rethink your approach to student connection and school culture.

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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 relational trust, clear expectations, and connection.

The conversation also covers mobile phone bans, educational policy, and school leadership. Ben argues that policies should reflect the reality of students’ digital lives. Banning tech, he suggests, may forgo key teachable moments. Instead, he calls for guidance, boundaries, and better digital literacy education.

Principals, teachers, parents, and policymakers each have a role in creating safe, inclusive schools. From cultural shifts to clever routines like “hot chocolate mornings,” Ben shares the small, powerful changes that shape meaningful learning environments. This episode is a must for anyone invested in improving school culture and student wellbeing. Ben Sacco offers a powerful call to rethink disruption and transform it into opportunity.

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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 reducing cognitive load, from evidence-based planning practices to collaborative professional learning structures. He also explores the fine balance between instructional consistency and teacher creativity, and how modelling presence—being in every classroom, every day—has helped reshape culture and trust.

This conversation also dives into the broader implications of specialist education today, including the importance of data-informed teaching, the challenge of building team trust in politically complex environments, and the rewards of student-centred leadership. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the car, kicking a footy with students, or being challenged by past pupils at McDonald’s, Cameron draws deep motivation from his school community.

Packed with practical strategies, leadership wisdom, and heart, this episode is a masterclass in purposeful, people-first leadership that gets results.

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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 learn how these leaders fostered a strong, culturally rich school community speaking over 20 languages. Turrun’s leadership built from the ground up ensures every student, staff member and family feel known and valued. Kristy and Suzanne also detail their ‘At Turrun Guides’—short, sharp staff resources that create consistency, clarity and a human‑first school culture.

If you’re interested in adaptability, values-driven leadership and school culture, this episode offers practical lessons. Plus, hear how Turrun Primary balances administrative rigour with intentional, daily human connection—even as the school grows. It’s an inspiring example of shaping a school’s soul from the very start.

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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 students transition into mainstream classrooms. Their program focuses on guiding students to full participation, using a strength-based approach and neurodiversity-affirming strategies.

Listeners will hear how North Mandurah’s model influences broader educational practice, including reverse integration programs in high schools and sharing inclusive practices with other schools. Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza stress that passion and mindset matter more than specialisation when building teaching teams—creating adaptable, compassionate learning environments.

Whether you're a principal, teacher, or parent, this episode with Kendall Lange and Wendy Tregenza offers actionable advice on creating truly inclusive schools. Their experience shows that inclusion is not just about programs or policies; it’s about relationships, flexibility, and always seeing the person behind the challenge.

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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 Cursor and ChatGPT to solve real operational challenges. From automating learning management tasks to developing user-friendly dashboards that help educators track assessments and reporting, these tools are transforming daily processes—allowing the IT team to focus less on troubleshooting and more on creative problem-solving.

The discussion also explores the human side of AI in schools. James reflects on how technology can be made more approachable by giving software personality, and how plain-English interfaces can help teachers and coordinators interact meaningfully with complex systems. The potential for AI to tailor student learning, personalise teacher insights, and even help with sustainability initiatives is also unpacked.

Beyond the immediate benefits, James raises thoughtful questions about AI’s role in education equity. While the tools are widely accessible, the impact will depend on school leadership, culture, and community engagement.

This conversation is a compelling look at how AI, used thoughtfully, can enhance—not replace—human connection, creativity, and care in our schools.

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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 cultural backgrounds, the school community embraces traditions such as the Japanese Undōkai sports day, classroom rituals like bowing, and artistic exploration of Japanese masters like Yayoi Kusama and Hokusai. These daily experiences cultivate curiosity, respect, and connection. The discussion also touches on the challenges of integrating students who join in later years without Japanese language foundations, and how the school’s robust support structures—including tailored learning plans and dedicated language support—help bridge the gap. Rowe reflects on leading a bilingual teaching team, the cultural nuances that shape collaboration, and the importance of aligning language programmes with local community needs and secondary pathways. For Huntingdale graduates, bilingualism isn’t just an academic asset—it’s a springboard to future studies, global careers, and enriched worldviews. This episode is a fascinating exploration of how language, culture, and education can combine to create more than just dual fluency—they can create confident, adaptable learners ready for a complex world.

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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 top players were athletic or quiet students who, through chess, discovered untapped cognitive strengths. Craig emphasises that coaching was not passive—it required active engagement, questioning students about their decisions, and creating an environment where learning was mutual. A key to the program’s longevity was its self-sustaining culture of mentoring. Elite players trained the next cohort, creating a legacy of peer-led excellence. Even though the program paused when Craig left in 2018, its ripple effects are seen in students now pursuing high-level studies and careers. When asked why chess still matters in the age of AI, Craig affirms that machines can analyse but not create. It’s human creativity, developed through tools like chess, that remains irreplaceable. This episode is a testament to how traditional games, paired with intentional teaching, can unlock transformative educational experiences—especially in places where they’re least expected. 

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