Why Is School Discipline So Complicated?
The most stressful part of education for students, parents and teachers is discipline. What makes it so difficult and why doesn’t it seem fair?
Learning
Dance…Fit for a King
Young Prince George will have ballet lessons as part of his curriculum at his new primary school. Learn why Dance is an essential part of a holistic, education for everyone…not just future kings..
The 20% of Kids Who Just Aren’t Learning
At any one time, 20% of students are quiet and compliant…but completely disengaged. Who are they and what can we do about it?
What Does It Mean To Be Educated?
What does it mean to be ‘educated’, and how is that definition changing? As we enter the Age of Innovation we need to reassess which skills are important in preparing students for the future.
Introverts at School
Schools are designed perfectly for extroverts. Lots of action and people and noise. However, they’re not always easy if you’re an introvert.
Digital Saturation Linked to Falling Reading Levels
Today the average Australian household has 12 Internet enabled devices. We have invited this technology into our homes, our workplaces and our schools and as yet it is unregulated. It hasn’t been possible to study long term effects because…there has been no long term yet!
The Power of Consistency in a Now, Now, Now World
If you had to identify one thing that distinguishes this generation of teens from all those before it, I think it would be their belief in the power of now. They are the generation of instant gratification. If you want to speak to someone, you call them on their mobile device. If you want to see someone, you FaceTime or Skype.
Questions to Ask Before Employing a Tutor
Thinking of employing a tutor for your child? Ask yourself these 6 questions first.
The Tough Stuff: Equipping Kids for Deep Learning
No child has ever been deeply, passionately and personally invested in a worksheet. They never have been and they …
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High School…One Week Down!
Week 1 is done. Congratulations! You got through orientation, the preparation over the holidays and then the long anticipated Day …
We Surf Because…
83% of Australia’s population lives within 50 kms of the ocean.*  We spend our time looking out towards the water, …
Undercover: How Does it Really Feel to be a High School Student?
For roughly seven hours each day your child disappears into the world of school. When they come home and you …
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Leavers: A Good News Story
Leavers, or Schoolies Week as it is know in other parts of Australia, is an institution that cries out for …
5 Powerful Ways to Build Resilience in Kids
Resilience is the ‘it’ word of the decade when it comes to parenting and education. Justifiably! It is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
The Characteristics of Great Learners
For me, the best moments in teaching come when a child suddenly realises that they are in charge of their …
Shall We Dance?
At the end of Year 8 in 1982, I had to choose my elective subjects for the following year. I …
Books and Donkey Costumes: Why Book Week Matters
It’s Book Week and parents all over the country are pulling together costumes for their kids. Some are relishing the …
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Beautiful Boredom!
Boredom is important in a child’s development. It helps create curious, creative, analytical kids. Find out why.
Better Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent Teacher Interviews are a strange construct. They are time efficient. They put all the necessary parties in the same …
This Is What’s Making Our Kids So Anxious
Our young people are in the middle of an anxiety epidemic. Why? What is making our kids so anxious? And how can we create a culture of coping?
Anxiety
Earlier this year, one of my most spirited and capable friends sat with me and wept. She is the mother …
Our Kids Can Code
At Santa Maria College we teach our girls to code. Why is it vital that every student learns these skills?
NAPLAN: Is There An Upside?
If you have a child in Years 3, 5, 7, or 9, you know that it is NAPLAN week. Hopefully …
Enough with Finland
Australia’s education system is often compared to that of Finland. However, few take into consideration the cultural features that make all the difference.
Strong, Fit Girls: An Interview with Olympian, Lucy Chaffer
Lucy Chaffer has been teaching Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Health in girls’ schools for ten years. She is passionate …
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When Did Girls Get So Smart?
It would surprise most to learn that in last year’s NAPLAN, girls out performed boys in every test at every …
Why Shouldn’t You Choose a School from a League Table?
Schools hate league tables, even really good schools. Principals and teachers hate league tables; it’s one of the few things …
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