In this episode of Your School Journey, host Mal Galer chats with Tom Cullen, Dean of Student Futures at Emmanuel College, about how education is evolving to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.

Tom shares how his role goes beyond traditional career advice to help students build purpose, adaptability, and confidence as they navigate diverse pathways from university and vocational training to gap years and global opportunities.

They explore how parents can nurture curiosity, support their child’s growth, and guide them toward futures driven by passion and problem-solving rather than pressure or expectation.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Andrew Jessimer, Senior School Counsellor at Emmanuel College, to explore the Honour and Strength program, a mentoring initiative helping Year 9 and 10 boys navigate challenges around body image, social media, motivation, and self-worth.

Andrew shares his journey as a counsellor, the pressures young men face, and how parents can support their sons through genuine connection, vulnerability, and encouragement.
Practical, insightful, and full of hope, this conversation is for every parent wanting to see their boys thrive.

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Nick Collins (Director of Sport, Emmanuel College) and Lachie Purdie, Emmanuel College alumni and under-20 gold medalist decathlete, to explore the powerful role sport plays in a student’s school journey.

Together, they dive into the many benefits of sport — from physical fitness and mental wellbeing to character building, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Nick shares insights on how sport helps students develop vital life skills like teamwork, time management, and motivation, while Lachie reflects on his own journey balancing elite sport and academics, and the importance of strong support networks.

They also tackle how parents can best support both enthusiastic athletes and students who may not naturally gravitate toward sport, offering practical tips for helping children stay active, find their passion, and learn to thrive through the ups and downs of training and competition.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that sport in school is about far more than games on the field — it’s about nurturing whole, healthy, and well-rounded young people

Learn more: Emmanuel College
Have questions or feedback? Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Peter Robertson, Director of Studies at Emmanuel College. Together, they unpack how parents can best support their children as they transition from Year 9 into the crucial senior years of schooling.

Peter shares his wealth of experience working with senior students, offering valuable insights on why Years 10, 11, and 12 are so unique — from starting to make decisions that impact post-school pathways to managing expectations around university, work, or gap years. The conversation touches on the importance of students choosing subjects they enjoy, the role of good study habits, and how parents can gradually shift responsibility to help their children build independence and resilience.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for supporting study routines, managing natural consequences, and keeping the focus on deep learning rather than just results. Peter also highlights how to balance academics with wellbeing and social life, and how parents can encourage maturity by stepping back at the right moments.

This is an encouraging and insightful discussion for any parent keen to help their child thrive through the senior years and beyond.

Learn more: Emmanuel College
Have questions or feedback? Contact us a  [email protected]

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Brett Moller, Director of Knowledge Services and Head of Creative Industries at St Andrew’s Anglican College. Together, they explore the complex role of technology in education and family life. The conversation covers topics such as digital wellbeing, the different types of screen time, gaming, social media use, and how technology can empower students to create meaningful solutions.

Brett also shares practical parenting insights, including how to have ongoing conversations with children about their technology use, the importance of empathy, and strategies for navigating mobile phones and social media at home. This is a thoughtful and practical discussion for any parent navigating the challenges of technology and raising children in a digital world.

Learn more:⁠Emmanuel College⁠

Have questions or feedback? Contact us at [email protected]

How do children learn to read and how can parents support that journey from the very beginning? In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Cook, Director of Learning and Teaching in Junior School and Carla Stanley, Director of Pastoral Care in Early Years to explore the foundational skills behind reading. From phonics and comprehension to fostering a love of books at home, we break down what literacy looks like in the early years.

Learn more:
Emmanuel College

Have questions or feedback? Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Tattersall, Dean of Studies at Emmanuel College, to break down everything you need to know about high school diplomas, subject choices, and preparing for university pathways. Whether you’re a student making subject selections or a parent wanting to better understand the system, this episode provides clear and practical insights.

Learn More:

⁠⁠www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au⁠⁠

Have questions or feedback?

Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode, Dan Brown (Principal, Emmanuel College) reflects on his life-changing trip to the Northern Territory, and sharing how stepping outside their comfort zones helped students grow in resilience, empathy, and character. We explore the power of real-world experiences in shaping young people and why these moments matter beyond the classroom.

Learn More:

⁠www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au⁠

Have questions or feedback?

Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Kelly (Dean of Year 7, Emmanuel College) and Marita Babic (Dean of Year 6, Emmanuel College) to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with this transition. From managing new expectations to fostering independence, we share practical advice to help your child feel confident and supported as they take this next step.

Learn More:

⁠www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au⁠

Have questions or feedback?

Contact us at [email protected]

What does a future-focused school look like? In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of education with Dan Miller (Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School, Emmanuel College) and Dave Runge (Co-founder, Future Schools). We discuss student agency, engagement, and how schools can better prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.

Learn More:

www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au

https://futureschools.education

Have questions or feedback?

Contact us at [email protected]