Category: Podcast

The importance of Sport in School

“I don’t believe I’d be the person I am now if I didn’t do sport”

Lachie Purdie

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

listen on Spotify

How to thrive in Senior School Years

“With enjoyment comes engagement, and engagement tends to lead to good results.”

Peter Robertson

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.

listen on Spotify

Raising children in a digital world

“Not all screen time is created equal.”

Brett Moller

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Brett Moller (Director of Knowledge Services and Head of Creative Industries, St Andrew’s Anglican College) to explore the role technology plays in the lives of young people, both at school and at home.

Drawing on his experience as both an educator and a parent, Brett unpacks the growing concerns many families have around screen time, social media and digital wellbeing. He challenges the idea that all screen time is the same, highlighting the important differences between passive consumption, communication and meaningful creation — and why understanding these distinctions is key to supporting healthy technology use.

Together, they explore how technology can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and problem-solving when used with intention. Through real examples, Brett shares how students are using digital tools to design solutions, tell meaningful stories and develop empathy — demonstrating the positive potential of technology in education.

The conversation also provides practical, grounded advice for parents navigating the digital world at home. Brett emphasises the importance of staying engaged, asking questions and building ongoing conversations with children about their technology use — rather than relying solely on rules or restrictions. He also introduces the idea of creating “islands of sanity” — intentional moments away from screens that help restore balance, connection and perspective.

This is a thoughtful and highly practical discussion for any parent seeking to better understand technology’s role in their child’s life — and how to guide its use in a way that supports wellbeing, learning and meaningful growth.

listen on Spotify

Learning to read in the early years

“Learning to read isn’t a magic trick — there are clear steps in the process, and each one matters.”

Jeremy Cook

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Jeremy Cook (Director of Learning and Teaching, Junior School) and Carla Stanley (Director of Pastoral Care, Early Years, Emmanuel College) to explore how children learn to read — and how parents can support that journey from the very beginning.

Drawing on both research and classroom experience, Jeremy and Carla unpack the foundational skills that underpin early literacy, including phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension. They explain why learning to read is not a “magic moment,” but a structured process built on clear, explicit teaching and consistent practice.

The conversation highlights the growing focus on the science of reading, and why understanding the relationship between letters and sounds is a critical first step in helping children decode words and build confidence. At the same time, they emphasise the importance of fostering a genuine love of reading — creating positive, engaging experiences with books both at school and at home.

Together, they share practical, accessible strategies for families — from building a literacy-rich home environment and modelling reading behaviours, to using simple games and everyday interactions to reinforce learning. They also address common challenges, including limited exposure to books and the belief that reading is “too hard,” and offer reassurance that with the right support, every child can develop as a reader.

This is an insightful and highly practical conversation designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their child’s reading journey — building not only strong literacy skills, but a lifelong love of learning.

listen on Spotify

What do Senior School acronyms mean?

“The ATAR is just a tool — your senior schooling is a journey, and your passions should be the main driver behind the subjects you choose..”

Mitch Tattersall

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Mitch Tattersall (Dean of Studies, Emmanuel College) to unpack the often-confusing world of senior school acronyms — including ATAR, QCE and the pathways that shape life beyond Year 12.

Drawing on his expertise in curriculum and student pathways, Mitch breaks down what these terms actually mean, how they work, and why they matter — particularly for families navigating subject selection and future planning. The conversation explores the relationship between subject choices, academic performance and post-school opportunities, while also addressing common misconceptions around ATAR and the pressure often associated with it.

Together, they highlight the importance of starting conversations early, encouraging students to think about their interests, strengths and future goals from as early as Year 9 and 10. Mitch shares practical advice on selecting subjects with purpose — not simply based on perceived difficulty or scaling — and reinforces the value of choosing areas where students are both capable and engaged.

The episode also explores the range of pathways available beyond school, including university, vocational education and alternative entry options, helping families better understand that there is no single path to success.

This is a clear and reassuring conversation designed to demystify senior schooling — equipping parents and students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about the future.

listen on Spotify

How do experiences shape character?

“Anything that we can do in our schools to promote experiences and opportunities to shape character is just so essential.”

Dan Brown

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Dan Brown (Principal, Emmanuel College) as he reflects on a transformative journey to the Northern Territory and the powerful impact of stepping beyond the classroom.

Drawing on this experience, Dan shares how immersive, real-world opportunities can challenge students to move outside their comfort zones and develop resilience, empathy and a deeper sense of character. He explores how these moments — often unfamiliar and at times uncomfortable — become some of the most meaningful in a young person’s learning journey.

Together, they discuss the importance of experiential learning and the role it plays in helping students build confidence, perspective and a stronger understanding of the world around them. The conversation highlights how connection to place, people and culture can shape not only what students learn, but who they become.

This episode is a reflective and inspiring look at the value of learning beyond the classroom — and why the experiences that stretch and challenge young people are often the ones that stay with them long after school.

listen on Spotify

How do I thrive in Year 7?

“Give them the opportunity to grow in their independence — that’s what builds their confidence.”

Rachael Kelly

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Rachael Kelly (Dean of Year 7, Emmanuel College) and Marita Babic (Dean of Year 6, Emmanuel College) to explore the transition from primary to secondary school — a significant milestone for both students and their families.

Drawing on their experience supporting students at this pivotal stage, Rachael and Marita unpack the academic, social and emotional shifts that come with moving into Year 7. They discuss the new expectations students encounter, the importance of building independence and organisation, and how schools can create a supportive environment that helps students feel known, confident and ready to engage.

Together, they share practical strategies for navigating this transition — from establishing routines and managing increased responsibility, to fostering resilience and encouraging positive relationships. The conversation highlights the value of strong partnerships between home and school, and the role parents play in helping children approach this change with confidence.

The episode also explores how schools can intentionally support students through this period, ensuring they feel connected, capable and equipped to make the most of new opportunities.

This is a reassuring and practical conversation designed to support families as they navigate one of the most important transitions in their child’s educational journey — with a focus on building confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning.

listen on Spotify

What is the future of schools?

Dave Runge and Dan Miller joined us on our podcast

In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Dan Miller (Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School, Emmanuel College) and Dave Runge (Co-founder, Future Schools) to explore what it truly means to create a future-focused school.


Drawing on their experience in education leadership and innovation, Dan and Dave unpack the growing need for schools to move beyond traditional models of learning and respond to the changing needs of young people. They discuss the importance of student agency, meaningful engagement and designing learning experiences that connect with both the individual and the wider world.


Together, they explore the concept of “passive disengagement” — where students may appear compliant but lack deep connection to their learning — and why fostering purpose, curiosity and real-world relevance is essential in today’s educational landscape. The conversation highlights how future-focused schools are evolving to become more adaptive, relational and responsive, creating environments where students are empowered to shape their own learning journeys.


The episode also considers the role of parents and educators in supporting this shift, offering practical insights into how meaningful conversations, curiosity and a focus on contribution can help young people feel more connected, motivated and fulfilled in their learning.


This is a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion about reimagining education — not by starting over, but by building on strong foundations to create schools where young people can thrive, find purpose and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

“Young people should have agency and autonomy — to help shape and frame their own educational experience.”

Dave Runge

listen on Spotify
Future Schools
Get started

Start your journey

Request Prospectus Book a tour Enrol