Foundations for thriving schools

Smiles, Safety, and School Culture

What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe, valued, and genuinely connected? In this episode of The Future We Shape, we explore the power of belonging, connection, and psychological safety with two inspiring leaders in education. First, Sue Roffey — teacher, educational psychologist, academic, and global advocate for wellbeing in schools — shares decades of insight into why belonging is a fundamental human need, not a “nice to have.” Drawing on research, practice, and her ASPIRE framework, Sue unpacks how small, everyday interactions shape culture, inclusion, and learning for both students and staff. You’ll also hear from Nicole O'Brien, founding principal of Barayip Primary School, who offers a powerful real-world example of what it looks like to build a school culture from the ground up. Nicole reflects on how gratitude, calm, and connection are intentionally embedded into daily practice — from morning greetings to staff learning conversations — and how these small moments create lasting impact. Together, these conversations remind us that belonging isn’t created through programs alone. It’s built through micro-moments, intentional leadership, and the way we show up for one another — every day. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or education system leader, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful reflections on shaping school communities where everyone can thrive.

Leading well in today's schools

In this episode of The Future We Shape, host Kerrin Smith explores what it means to lead well in today’s schools, when uncertainty is high, wellbeing is stretched, and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. Kerrin is joined by two remarkable guests: Dr Michelle McQuaid, award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health, and Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science; and Kendra Parker, Director of the Leadership Excellence Division at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Together they discuss how leaders can navigate the “super-cycle of change” affecting education, build psychological and psychosocial safety, and foster cultures of trust, courage, and care. Michelle shares her HEART framework for leading through complexity with humanity, while Kendra draws on decades of experience to highlight the dispositions and practices that sustain effective, compassionate leadership in schools. If you’re a school leader or educator seeking clarity, courage, and practical strategies to support your team’s wellbeing, this episode offers evidence-based insights you can use right away.

Creating Connections: Where Trauma-Aware and Wellbeing Education Meet

In this special live-recorded keynote episode, we bring together two of the leading voices in education and wellbeing: Professor Lea Waters (University of Melbourne, Centre for Wellbeing Science) and Dr Tom Brunzell (Berry Street Education Model). Together, they explore the evolving relationship between positive education and trauma-informed practice, asking how schools can move beyond welfare models toward whole-school approaches that are both preventative and promotive. From the early days of positive psychology to today’s challenges of fatigue, regulation, and staff wellbeing, Lea and Tom share candid reflections, practical strategies, and fresh provocations. Expect insights into the strengths-based foundations of wellbeing education, the nuances of trauma-aware approaches, and the importance of adaptability, systems thinking, and staff care. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers encouragement to take small, powerful steps—the “one-percenters”—that shape sustainable cultures of wellbeing in schools. To get in contact to share the work that you are doing in your school, please reach out to us at: contact@pesa.edu.au [contact@pesa.edu.au]

Foundations for thriving schools

What does it really mean to build a culture of wellbeing in schools and how do we move beyond surface-level programs to something more meaningful and sustainable? In this episode, host Kerrin Smith is joined by two powerful voices in education and wellbeing: Dr Reuben Rusk, a thought leader known for translating complex research into practical change, and Adam Slater, a school principal and researcher who brings deep insight from the frontline of school leadership. Together, they explore the foundations of wellbeing. The conditions, mindsets, and systems that help people truly flourish. From the science of what matters to the daily realities of school life, this conversation bridges theory and practice, offering clear, evidence-informed perspectives for educators, leaders, and researchers alike. Whether you're shaping policy, guiding teams, or leading a classroom, this episode will prompt you to reflect on how wellbeing is understood, measured, and lived in educational spaces.

The future we shape - Podcast Teaser

What if wellbeing wasn’t just another initiative, but the way we lead, teach, and connect? Welcome to The Future We Shape, a podcast by Positive Education Schools Australia (PESA),where we explore how educators and leaders are building thriving school cultures through evidence-based insights, human stories, and small shifts that spark big change. Each episode brings you expert voices and real-world experiences from schools navigating the challenges of wellbeing, leadership, and positive systems change. If you’re ready to reimagine how we do what we do—with intention, care, and each other—this is your space. 🎙️ Subscribe now and join us as we shape what’s next for education—together.