Walk the Mile

This weeks episode is a discussion with our relatively new Head of the Primary School, Helen Dempsey. Helen speaks of what it was like thrown into the deep end of trying to run a Primary School in the midst of a pandemic and the subsequent impact that it has had on those with loved ones overseas, including herself. We discuss the idea of home and the longing to be there, particularly in times of stress and uncertainty.

This episode was recorded at the breakfast table one morning as a few of my kids (Jasper, Dominic and Ilona) slowly made their way downstairs. I suggested that we do a podcast about their lives and what they are thinking at the moment and this is the result. A somewhat humourous, hopeful and concerning insight into what life is like for a few young adults at the moment. It is also the first episode that I have had to produce and edit by myself so I apologise for any faults in the sound quality. Many thanks to our Head of Drama, Peter Eyers, for his help in producing previously and tutoring me in the way of podcasting. And also to Eddi Goodfellow our Audio Visual Genius for her fantastic lessons in editing skills. None of this would be possible without a great team of people behind it.

This episode is a conversation with Chris Gleisner, our regular school professional photographer and the woman behind the project “Lets Build A School”. It was recorded before the Sydney lockdown in 2021. Chris took all of the photos that can be found in the recently released “A Year In The Life Of SCEGGS, 2020”. She talks about what the experience was like in trying to make it work amongst the difficulties of last year, what she is trying to portray through her art and her passion to see education more available for girls in Cambodia

This episode is a conversation with a long standing member of staff that has definitely made her mark on the school, and beyond. Jan Morice is celebrating her 50th year working at SCEGGS and her 60th year of being in the teaching profession. She always has a plethora of stories to tell from both her personal and professional life. I always give the guests the option of choosing their topic and in this instance Jan wanted to talk about love. You will understand how important it is to her as you listen to her passion and enthusiasm.

This episode is a conversation with our Head of School, Miss Jenny Allum. She shares her insights on the future of education, what has inspired her to do what she does and what she wants for the school that she leads. If you ever wanted to know what its like to be a School Principal or what is inside the head of the Head, then have a listen and be enlightened!

This episode is with our Year 12 Coordinator, English teacher and father of three, Mr Vic Woolley. Vic and I have had numerous discussions about raising daughters, reflecting on our own experience, our own mistakes and our own questions. The father’s role in their daughter’s lives is an incredibly significant one and I am finding that more and more dads are wanting, and sometimes struggling, to know how to connect with their daughters. I hope that you find our discussion helpful and please feel free to join the conversation by contacting me at [email protected].

This episode is about change. Two year 12 students: Amelia Board and Clementine Gleeson-Cook, discuss their experience of change in their own lives, particularly in the school setting, and how they have tried to manage those situations. They also discuss some of the imminent changes before them and how they are feeling about leaving school. It is a very insightful look into what it might be like to be growing up in the present environment.

This episode is a discussion with one of our English teachers, Dr Nina Cook, about the topic of shock. We have had to deal with a number of incidences recently that took us all by surprise as a community and the impact and consequences of such events were far reaching. Please be aware that some of the topics that are discussed in this episode may be sensitive or triggering for some people so please listen to it with discretion. And if you would like to chat further please contact me at [email protected].

This episode is with our former Head of Religious Education and Boarding, Marg Nilon. In such an unpredictable year, it has been difficult for many people to live in the uncertainty and to feel hopeful. We discuss the meaning and messages of Christmas and wonder about their significance at the end of a tumultuous 2020.

This episode is with our Indigenous Student Coordinator, Jola Cumming. On the back of 2020's NAIDOC celebrations we are discussing race and culture. Jola shares some of her own story and how that has influenced her in what she does and what she hopes for. We also raise issues surrounding racism and the impact it has on education, child development and identity.