Inaburra Insight

Lyndal Tait hosts a conversation with Andrew Macdonald Brown, an executive coach with over 35 years experience in education, about the importance of trust in leadership. Andrew emphasises the role of coaching in enhancing leadership and team effectiveness, citing his experience in the Middle East and China. He discusses the impact of trust on team performance, referencing research by Patrick Lencioni and Harvard Business Review, which shows that high trust leads to increased engagement and productivity. He also explores the anatomy of trust, referencing Brene Brown and Daniel Goldman, and suggests strategies for building trust, such as authenticity, reliability, and empathy. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode of "Learning Conversations," host Lyndal Tait discusses the nature and purpose of school education with mathematician Francis Su and Inaburra Principal James Pietsch. Francis, a former president of the Mathematical Association of America and author of "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," emphasises the importance of mathematics for its beauty, practicality, and role in improving the human experience. He critiques the performative aspects of mathematics that often exclude people who don't see themselves as maths savvy, and advocates for a more inclusive approach that recognises various ways of being mathematical. James, also with a background in Mathematics and Psychology, highlights the cultural biases in intelligence testing and the fixed views of intelligence that can limit students' potential. The conversation stresses the importance of struggle and perseverance, and the role of mathematics in fostering virtues like hospitality and justice. They also discuss the impact of AI on mathematics education and the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and number sense beyond learning basic arithmetic and times tables. Speakers: Francis Su - Author, Mathematical Explorer Francis Su writes about the dignity of human beings and the wonder of mathematical teaching.  He is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college math faculty, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and the New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing [https://www.francissu.com/] (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages has been termed “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time” by James Tanton of the Global Math Project. It offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone should learn it. His scholarly work can be found at his Harvey Mudd College webpage. Dr James Pietsch – Principal Inaburra School Dr James Pietsch became Principal of Inaburra School at the start of 2018. Prior to commencing at Inaburra, Dr Pietsch was the Dean of Professional Development and Learning at St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why where he had previously been Head of Mathematics. He has also held positions as the Dean of Residents at New College at the University of NSW, and as a lecturer and tutor in educational psychology at the University of Sydney. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology and brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his role as Principal. James is the author of the book Character Reborn: A Philosophy of Christian Education [https://www.amazon.com.au/Character-Reborn-Philosophy-Christian-Education-ebook/dp/B07D4Q3JWQ] (2018).   Lyndal Tait –Leader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachers’ job intentions and commitment. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

During their final year at Inaburra School, as they prepared for their HSC, 2023 Inaburra School Captains, Christos Gatzastras and Sienna Thorpe sought out advice from past graduates about their end of school experience and the opportunities they found beyond graduation. In this ‘Beyond the Burra’ podcast episode, Christos and Sienna are speaking with Julian Annison, an Inaburra graduate from the Class of 2019. Julian shares his personal experience of navigating high school, study hacks that worked well for him in his final year, and the need for balance between study and relaxation. The three compare their study routines during senior school, including dedicated study time before and after school, the importance of taking breaks and giving yourself permission to recharge and reset. Julian gives advice on time management, and how organisation and preparation are key to getting through the HSC, including learning formula and practicing past papers. He also encourages students to look beyond the final exams and seize opportunities when they present themselves. Julian Annison – Julian is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong. His focus areas include Marketing, Public Relations and Management. He has previously worked as the Corporate and Public Affairs Officer at Hireup, Australia's largest NDIS registered provider after starting out as a Disability Support Worker. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

For Francis Su, a society without mathematical affection is like a city without concerts, parks, or museums. In this Founders Lecture, Francis will show that mathematics is an experience of the mind and, most importantly, of the heart. Su offers an inclusive vision of what mathematics is, who it is for, and how it relates to the dignity of being human.   Francis Su is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Harvard University and is now a mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College, a science and engineering university in California. This year, he is a visiting researcher at the Sydney Maths Research Institute. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize in the United States for college level teaching of maths, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and The New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing, winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages. It is an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone can learn it and has been referred to as “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time”.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Lyndal Tait and Mel Clarke discuss the benefits of spending time in nature for mental and physical health. They share personal experiences and tips for incorporating nature into daily routines, highlighting the positive impact on mental health and spirituality. Mel explores how combining exercise in a natural setting can boost healthy hormone levels. She also provides insights on how to engage kids and teenagers in nature-based activities. The conversation emphasises the importance of prioritising nature in our busy lives and building a sense of ownership and investment in the natural world in order to stay connected to place. Strategies for incorporating nature into your family life: * Plan bushwalking trips and other outdoor activities during the school holidays * Visit local nature areas regularly and notice changes over time to help develop a relationship with that space  * Find locations tailored to your interests like beaches, waterfalls, and areas of wildlife, and visit with attention, purpose and conversation * Follow bushwalking groups on social media for a variety of recommendations for walks References: Welcome to Huberman Lab - www.hubermanlab.com [http://www.hubermanlab.com] David George Haskell - https://dghaskell.com/theforestunseen [https://dghaskell.com/theforestunseen] D.O.S.E. https://www.happyfeed.co/research/4-brain-chemicals-make-you-happy [https://www.happyfeed.co/research/4-brain-chemicals-make-you-happy] Speakers: Lyndal Tait –Leader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachers’ job intentions and commitment.  Mel Clarke – Inaburra Deputy Head of Senior School Mel Clarke is a PDHPE educator with a wealth of experience in the student wellbeing space. She is a passionate advocate for physical activity and holistic health. Mel enjoys challenging individuals to push their limits and foster self-improvement and has road-tested the outdoor strategies discussed in this podcast with her three active, high-energy children. Beyond the classroom, she finds serenity and inspiration through bushwalking, merging her love for nature with her role as a citizen scientist. Her contributions to the latest Sydney Basin Koala Report highlights her commitment to environmental stewardship.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.