The Kirrawee Public School Podcast

How can a puppet help someone find their voice, understand big feelings or experience a moment of joy?

In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Kyla and Maddie interview puppeteer, teacher and artist Kay Yasugi.

Kay shares how an unexpected library discovery sparked her puppetry journey and how mentors helped her along the way.

From teaching at Liverpool Hospital School to creating puppet characters in live theatre performances, Kay reveals how puppetry can build confidence, encourage connection and bring laughter. She also offers advice for budding creators: have a go, embrace mistakes and enjoy the process.

A warm and playful conversation about creativity, empathy and the power of puppets.

Interested in Kay's work? Follow here work through the below links!

• Liverpool Hospital School Film Project blog — Kay teaches one day a week here, making puppet films with the students. Lately they are also starting a podcast!

• TAP (The Anxiety Project)/ Managing Miggy — puppet videos, songs and lessons about emotional regulation; created by Kay and Concord West Public School
• UNIMA Australia — the official puppetry organisation of Australia (Kay volunteers as General Secretary).
• Pupperoos — Kay's puppet studio 
  

Kay wishes to thank her mentors Mal Heap (who was Modigliana the Cat in The Ferals) and Caroline Astell-Burt from the London School of Puppetry. 

The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

What does it mean to succeed – and how do we keep going when things don’t go to plan?

In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Sophie and Maddie interview Jana Pittman, former world champion athlete and now a doctor. Jana reflects on her sporting journey, finding friendships and belonging, and the mentors who helped her see what was possible.

Together, they explore overcoming fear, learning from setbacks and why giving your best matters more than where you finish. Jana also shares a simple habit students can practise every day: finish what you start.

An inspiring conversation about courage, commitment and backing yourself to have a go.

We joined Jana via video feed where she was presenting to an audience on leadership and resilience.

The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Caleb and Harriet dive into the spectacular world of Cirque du Soleil through the eyes of talented acrobat Nelson Smiles.

After years of perfecting his hoop diving craft, Nelson was discovered through his social media videos and now travels with the worlds largest contemporary circus producer.

In this discussion, you'll hear about daily circus life, the thrill of performance, embracing mistakes and even some authentic advice for aspiring performers.

We joined Nelson via video feed where he is currently performing in Toronto, Canada.

The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Harriet and Sophie are super excited to bring you an engaging conversation with two of Australia's most entertaining writers, writing duo, Kate and Jol Temple.

Kate and Jol are the creators of over 40 children’s books, including the Bin Chicken series, the exciting Frog Squad adventures, and the much-loved The Underdogs. Listen in for a conversation that will teach you a couple of writing tricks, learn about the power of discipline, and be part of a 'rock-off', that may affect how you read Kate and Jol's books.

Welcome to the show, Kate and Jol Temple!

Welcome to another entertaining episode of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast, hosted by Harriet and Max

On today's how, we are joined by one of Australia women's most respected past footballers and former Matilda, Teresa Polias.

Teresa shares her thoughts on being an A-grade footballer, leadership and what it takes on improving your self, no matter what your age or what your passions are.

Settle in for a very authentic conversation from the team of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast!

We are very grateful to welcome another pillar of Australian literature to our show today, Nadia Wheatley.

For over 40 years, Nadia Wheatley's stories have helped Australians understand their own history, culture and identity.

Through engaging texts, such as her classic book, My Place, often use an array of visual clues to explore the idea of “place” – how the land around us holds stories from the past.

Her books have won major awards and continue to inspire students, teachers and writers all across Australia.Join Archie, Max and Sophie as we welcome Nadia to the Kirrawee Public School Podcast.

Ava and Max welcome Australian author, Sue Whiting to the show.

Sue has written more than 70 books over her career which include both picture books and novels.

Her Novels,  ‘A Book of Chance’, ‘Get a Grip, Cooper Jones’ and her ‘Pearly and Pig’ series are some of her chapter books that have also been shortlisted and recognised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.

Sue shares where her ideas come from, who is part of the book publishing process and provides advice for young writers.

So get comfortable, and let’s welcome our very special guest, Sue Whiting.

Welcome to another entertaining episode of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast, hosted by the talented Archie and Kaito.

On today's how, we are joined by one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors – the brilliant and perhaps, remarkable, Tim Harris! 

A former teacher, now author, Tim discusses his books including,  Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables and Toffle Towers. We also discuss where ideas come from, the need to trust your illustrator and talk a bit about the publishing process. Settle in for another quality author episode and with more to come from the team of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast!

Archie and Kaito continue the conversation with the delightful Yvette Poshoglian!

In the final part of our chat, we discuss Yvette's writing routine, how animals are incorporated into her books and perhaps some animals she may donate to a particular school.

We loved creating this episode with Yvette. She is engaging, inspiring and a joy to be around - even if it's via a video chat. Thanks, Yvette!

As always, thanks for listening to the Kirrawee Public School Podcast.

Archie and Kaito welcome the talented and engaging, Australia author, Yvette Poshoglian!

You might know Yvette from the hugely popular Ella & Olivia books, the Puppy Club series, or her exciting Frankie Fox – Girl Spy stories.

A former High School teacher, Yvette has written dozens of books for young readers, and she brings her experience as a teacher into every story she creates.

Her books help early readers build confidence, and her stories for older students are full of adventure, mystery and Australian history.

We couldn't fit Yvette's engaging and informative knowledge into one episode so enjoy Yvette over two parts.

So here is part one of Yvette Posholglian. Make sure you continue the conversation with part two!

As always, thanks for listening to the Kirrawee Public School Podcast.