Your School Journey

In this episode of Your School Journey, Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown sits down with Jessica Mendoza-Roth, co-founder and Chair of Wait Mate, to explore one of the increasingly difficult decisions facing parents: when is the right time to give your child a smartphone?

Drawing on her work with families and schools across Australia, Jessica shares how Wait Mate is helping parents overcome the pressure of “everyone else has one” by giving families the opportunity to delay smartphones together. They discuss why belonging and connection are so important for young people, and how strength in numbers can make it easier for parents to say “not yet” without their child feeling left behind.

The conversation explores the impact smartphones can have on childhood, from sleep, focus and wellbeing to the opportunity for young people to build friendships, resilience and independence in the real world. Jessica also unpacks practical alternatives to smartphones, the importance of allowing children to develop problem-solving skills, and the role schools and families can play in creating a culture where delaying becomes the norm.

This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for parents and educators navigating technology and childhood, offering a different perspective on what it means to keep young people connected while giving them the time and space to grow, build real-world relationships and experience childhood beyond the screen.

In this episode of Your School Journey, guest host and Year 12 student Ivy sits down with Jess Dyson (Redefined Coaching) to explore the move from school into adulthood and how young people and their families can navigate this important stage of life.

Drawing on her experience as a social worker, therapist and mental health coach, Jess shares insights into why leaving school can bring excitement, uncertainty and even a sense of loss. Together, they discuss the pressure young people can feel to have their future figured out, the changing nature of friendships and routines, and why it is okay not to know exactly what comes next.

The conversation explores how young people can build resilience, recognise and manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and develop the confidence to take greater responsibility for their own lives. Jess also discusses the changing role of parents, including the importance of stepping back, allowing young people to make their own decisions and sometimes fail, while remaining a safe and supportive presence when they need it.

This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for young people and parents approaching the end of the school journey, offering reassurance that adulthood doesn't require having everything figured out, but rather the confidence, support and resilience to navigate whatever comes next.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Jess Robertson (Journey Together) to explore one of the most important needs in every child’s life: feeling seen, heard and valued.

Drawing on her work supporting children and families, Jess shares insights into the power of connection, belonging and emotional safety in a child’s development. Together, they discuss how strong relationships help children build confidence, resilience and a healthy sense of identity, both at home and at school.

The conversation explores practical ways parents can strengthen connection with their children through everyday interactions, meaningful conversations and intentional presence. Jess also unpacks the challenges many families face in a busy world and offers simple strategies to help children feel understood, supported and genuinely known.

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for parents and educators who want to create environments where children can thrive, knowing they are valued not simply for what they achieve, but for who they are.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Keaan Van Venrooij (Ideal Nutrition) to explore the important role nutrition plays in a child’s ability to learn, concentrate and perform at their best.

Drawing on his experience as a sports dietitian, Keaan breaks down the key nutritional foundations that support growing minds and bodies. Together, they unpack the role of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and micronutrients, while addressing common misconceptions around sugar, processed foods and popular diet trends.

The conversation also focuses on practical strategies for families, including what should be in a school lunchbox, how to fuel children for learning and sport, and why variety matters when it comes to nutrition. Keaan shares simple, evidence-based advice to help parents make confident decisions about what their children eat each day.

This is a practical and informative conversation for parents who want to better understand the connection between food, focus and learning, and how small nutritional changes can have a big impact on a child’s development and wellbeing.

In this episode, Dan Martinez from FUSE Cup to explore the growing world of esports in schools — and why it’s about far more than just gaming.

We unpack how structured esports programs can help students build confidence, connection, teamwork and emotional resilience, particularly for young people who may not find their place in traditional activities.

Dan shares practical insights for parents navigating gaming at home, the importance of balance and healthy habits, and how schools can create safe, supportive environments where students thrive.

We also explore the future pathways surrounding esports, including opportunities in technology, broadcasting, production and digital industries.

Whether you’re curious, cautious or completely new to the conversation, this episode offers a thoughtful and balanced perspective on gaming, education and belonging.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Hayden Whitworth (Be There Group) to explore how culture is really formed in schools and why leadership is about far more than titles or badges.

Drawing on his experience working with organisations across Australia, Hayden unpacks the hidden “social contracts” that shape behaviour in every community. These are the unspoken rules that influence how students treat one another, how respect is given, and how culture is maintained. He challenges traditional ideas of school leadership, explaining why defining leaders by roles can actually disempower others, and why every student has the capacity to influence the environment around them.

Together, they explore the difference between dominance and strength, the role of respect in bringing out the best in young people, and how students can be equipped with practical tools to step in when something isn’t right without escalating conflict. Hayden also shares simple but powerful strategies for parents, including how to help children navigate peer pressure, speak up with confidence, and build positive influence during the critical teenage years.

This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for parents and educators who want to better understand how culture is shaped and how we can raise young people who lead with courage, character and respect in every space they enter.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Josiah College Design and Technology teacher Phil Murdoch — also host of The Tattooed Teacher podcast — to explore the value of design technology in today’s learning environment.

With years of experience in the classroom, Phil unpacks how the subject has evolved beyond traditional woodwork into a dynamic space where creativity, problem-solving and real-world skills come together. From 3D printing and digital design to hands-on projects, design technology is equipping students with the tools to think, create and adapt.

Together they explore why learning through doing matters, how failure plays a critical role in building confidence, and why these subjects are increasingly relevant for a wide range of future pathways — not just trades.

This is a practical and insightful conversation for parents wanting to better understand how their child learns best — and why design technology is about far more than what students make. It’s about how they think, grow and prepare for the future.

In this episode of Your School Journey, Mal Galer sits down with Emmanuel College’s new Head of Senior School, Chris Henderson, to explore why student wellbeing has become central to modern education.

With more than 18 years in schools, Chris reflects on how the focus has shifted from purely academic outcomes to something deeper — creating environments where students feel accepted, supported and known. Because without belonging, full potential is hard to reach.

Together they unpack how pastoral care has evolved, why resilience and challenge still matter, and how sport, service and leadership build transferable skills that shape confident, capable young adults.

This is a thoughtful conversation for parents navigating the senior years — and a reminder that education isn’t just about grades. It’s about forming character, building connection, and preparing students for life beyond school.

Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠Emmanuel College⁠⁠⁠

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

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Emma Tabacaru (Founder of Pippin Girl, educator, author and youth speaker) to explore the real pressures shaping young girls’ lives today — from body image and puberty to social media and identity.

Emma draws on her extensive experience as a teacher, pastoral carer and youth presenter, and the work she does through Pippin Girl — a trusted movement producing honest, values-based guides and resources to help girls navigate puberty, friendships, the online world, relationships and self-worth with confidence and clarity. 

Together, they unpack how cultural messaging and digital comparison train young minds to prioritise appearance over wellbeing, why so many girls struggle with body dissatisfaction at increasingly younger ages, and how parents and schools can support healthy self-image and resilience. Emma shares practical insights on having age-appropriate conversations about bodies, boundaries, relationships and online influence — minus the awkwardness, and with real compassion. 

The discussion also highlights the value of creating spaces where girls feel heard, supported and equipped to think critically about the world around them. Emma offers actionable guidance for families and educators looking to champion authenticity, connection and courage in girls’ lives. 

This episode is a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about raising girls who know their worth, trust their bodies and step into life with purpose — rooted in the belief that honest guidance and informed support can change the narrative for the next generation.

Learn more: ⁠⁠Emmanuel College⁠⁠

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

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Andrew Tuppen (Lego Master and Head of Instrumental Worship and Events at Emmanuel College), to explore the powerful role music plays in a student’s school journey.

Together, they unpack the many ways music shapes young people, from cognitive development and academic performance to emotional wellbeing, self-discipline, creativity and connection. Andrew shares his deeply personal journey into music, how it became a source of healing and purpose, and how those experiences continue to inform his approach to music education today. Drawing on years of classroom experience and international performance, he explains why music is a workout for the brain, how it supports learning across subjects like science and mathematics, and why schools are often the first and most important place students encounter music.

The conversation also explores the social and emotional power of music, from the joy and belonging found in ensembles and choirs to the unique way music connects people across cultures and languages. Andrew reflects on Emmanuel College’s approach to building musicians from the ground up, the importance of high expectations and expert teachers, and how performance opportunities inspire younger students to imagine what they might become.

They also discuss the vital role parents play in supporting musical learning at home, particularly the importance of commitment, perseverance, and helping children push through the challenging stages of practice, as well as practical advice for families whose schools may not offer strong music programs.

This episode is a compelling reminder that music in schools is about far more than learning an instrument. It is about developing discipline, resilience, creativity and connection, and nurturing the whole person for life beyond the classroom.

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