The Parent-Teacher Project

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we speak with Nick Giorgiou, Head of Sport at Redfield College, father of four, and lifelong athlete, about how sport can shape the character of young people and help them thrive in today's world.  Nick shares how discipline, resilience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence learned through sport extend far beyond the playing field. He reflects on the life lessons that come from both victory and failure, and how sport offers young people a powerful space to grow in confidence, connection, and character.  Discussion Points:   1. The Role of Sport in Character Formation  Nick explains how sport helps young people grow essential virtues such as perseverance, generosity, and self-mastery—traits that prepare them for challenges in school and life.  2. Learning from Failure and Building Resilience  From missed goals to lost games, Nick highlights how setbacks teach valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and growth.  3. The Power of Teamwork and Communication  Sport creates opportunities to work with others, develop leadership, and learn how to move together toward a common goal—even with people you might not always agree with.  4. Emotional Intelligence on the Field  Nick discusses how emotional regulation, self-awareness, and reading others' emotions are as crucial to success as physical skill—and how coaches and parents can nurture these qualities.  5. Encouraging Without Pressure  For parents whose children aren't naturally "sporty," Nick highlights ways to make movement enjoyable rather than obligatory; focusing on fun, participation, and connection instead of results.  6. Broadening the Definition of 'Sporty'  Nick invites listeners to expand their view of sport to include diverse activities—from rock climbing to dance—emphasising openess and enjoyment over competition.    Join the Conversation   Sport is more than a game; it's a classroom for life. It's where young people discover the value of effort, learn to handle success and disappointment, and experience the strength of teamwork and friendship.  How do we, as parents and teachers, nurture these lessons beyond the field? How can we model discipline, humility, and respect when emotions run high; whether we're cheering from the sidelines or guiding a PE class?  Perhaps most importantly, how can we ensure sport remains a joyful space for every child, regardless of skill level or competitiveness?  We'd love to hear your thoughts.  Share your own stories or reflections with us online, how has sport shaped you, your students, or your children?    You can:    Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast    Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website    Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday    Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes   

In this thought-provoking episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, Alex Perrottet, Dean of Warrane College at UNSW sits down with Associate Professor Xavier Simmons, Master of Warrane College and Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at ACU, to unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among young people — and how smartphones, social media, and modern parenting might be shaping this "anxious generation.".   The conversation covers the importance of leading by example, the role of legislation in managing children's access to social media, and the powerful influence of parental modelling when it comes to healthy device use. They discuss the growing parental involvement in young adults' lives—such as writing resumes, attending interviews, and even negotiating grades—and how these good intentions can undermine self-reliance.  The discussion also delves into risk aversion, the decline of in-person social interaction, and the need to cultivate resilience and agency among young people. They reflect on the role of reading and engagement with great books as antidotes to screen addiction and as a pathway to deeper reflection, imagination, and emotional maturity. Finally, Xavier shares insights from the Harvard Human Flourishing Study, shedding light on what truly contributes to long-term wellbeing—such as stable family life, strong social relationships, and cultivating meaning and purpose.  Discussion Points:   Parental Modelling and Example: why leading by example in technology use is one of the most effective ways to guide children towards balanced habits.  Social Media and Legislation: The potential benefits and limits of policies that restrict children's access to social media and online content.  Over-Parenting and Self-Reliance: How well-meaning parental involvement can hinder independence and responsibility.  Risk and Resilience: The importance of allowing young people to face challenges, take risks, and experience failure as essential components of growth and maturity.  Building Face-to-Face Connections: Why fostering in-person conversations and community engagement is key to developing empathy and authentic human interaction.  The Power of Reading: How reading good literature can help young people rediscover imagination, reflection, and emotional growth in contrast to passive digital consumption.    Find out more on:  The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt    Join the Conversation   As parents, educators, teachers and mentors, we all share a role in helping young people navigate an increasingly digital world. What habits do we model at home? How can we create opportunities for children to face small challenges, make mistakes, and grow in confidence?  Reflect on your own family's relationship with technology:  Are you modelling the balance you hope your children will learn?  What boundaries could help strengthen face-to-face time at home?  How can we encourage reading, meaningful conversations, and a love for learning in our children?  And most importantly, how can we teach them that true flourishing goes beyond screens—it lies in connection, courage, and character?  We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Join the conversation by sharing your reflections or tips on creating a more mindful, resilient, and flourishing family life.    You can:    Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast    Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website    Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday    Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes     

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we sit down with dietitian and body image advocate Meg McClintock to discuss how parents and educators can help children develop a healthy, positive relationship with their bodies. From the impact of social media and "selfie culture" to the subtle messages children absorb at home, Meg shares practical strategies for fostering resilience in young people.    Discussion Points:  What "positive body image" really means — and why it's not about constant self-admiration  How today's culture of constant photos and video calls affects self-perception  The influence of early comments and compliments on a child's self-worth  The pressures boys and girls face in a world of curated, filtered images  Why resilience is more realistic than complete protection from body image pressures  Practical tips for parents to create a "safe harbour" at home  How to model positive body talk and shift the focus from appearance to what bodies can do    Want to learn more about the importance of the body? Upcoming TeenSTAR training: Register HERE  Choose Nutrition    Join the Conversation   We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. How do you foster a healthy body image in your home or classroom? Share your experiences and tips with us on social media using #ParentTeacherProject or send us a message at paredacademy@pared.edu.au. Your insights could inspire other parents and educators facing the same challenges.  You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, host Lucia Garcia sits down with Manal Azzi, school counsellor at Tangara School for Girls and a therapist with over 15 years of experience. Together, they explore how parents can support their children's emotional development, model emotional regulation, and respond constructively to the emotional challenges children face at home and school.    Discussion Points:  Why Emotions Matter: Emotions are vital for healthy relationships and self-understanding. Ignoring them can lead to future challenges.  Emotion Coaching Steps: Notice your child's emotions, use them as a chance to connect, listen with empathy and validate, help them name the emotion, set limits and find solutions together. What Parents Can Do: Be calm, consistent, and compassionate. Model healthy emotional behaviour and avoid dismissive phrases.  Supporting Teens: Teens need non-judgemental support and space to talk. If big emotions are frequent, it may be time to seek professional help.  Talking with Boys: Teach emotional language early. Use daily moments to show that feelings are normal and safe to express.    Resources Mentioned:  • Dr. John Gottman's Emotion Coaching model  • Upcoming TeenSTAR training: Register HERE    Join the Conversation   We'd love to hear your experiences. What has helped you stay calm and connected when your child is having a meltdown? Have there been moments where simply acknowledging your child's feelings changed the outcome of a situation? Reflection can often bring clarity, and your insights might be just what another parent needs to hear.  Join the conversation with us online. You can comment on our latest post or message us. Let's support one another as we guide our children with compassion and courage.    You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode, we sit down with John Soulemezis, school counsellor at Redfield College, to unpack the Netflix series Adolescence. John shares insights on major themes the series raises around identity, masculinity, the online world, and emotional wellbeing. More importantly, he translates these themes into practical advice for parents, teachers, and anyone helping young men navigate today's challenging landscape.   Discussion Points:  What Adolescence captures about the modern teenage experience The role of dialogue and open communication in building trust with boys Why healthy role models of masculinity are more important than ever The impact of the online world — both visible and invisible — on teenage identity How parents and educators can respond with understanding and hope     Join the Conversation What stood out to you from Adolescence? What challenges have you faced supporting teenagers today? How are you opening conversations about masculinity, identity, and the online world in your home or classroom?   You can:   Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes    

In this episode, we welcome Katrina Alvir, an experienced teacher and expert in character education. With years of experience in classical education, Katrina shares valuable insights on how parents and educators can inspire children in developing virtues and forming good habits. She discusses the power of real-life role models, consistent example and practical ways to integrate character education into daily life. Discussion Points: Integrating Virtues into the Curriculum – How to weave character education seamlessly into daily lessons. Creating a Classroom Culture of Virtue – Practical ways to encourage responsibility, respect, and kindness. The Importance of Acknowledging Mistakes – How apologising to students fosters humility, trust, and teaches them the value of taking responsibility. Being a Constant Example – The impact of a teacher's words and actions in shaping students' character and the importance of striving for personal growth. Being Truly Present – The power of showing up and giving hope   Join the Conversation  How do you incorporate character education in your classroom? We'd love to hear your insights and experiences—share your thoughts with us and join the discussion on how teachers can shape students' character through everyday moments in the classroom.   You can:   Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode, host Isabelle Thomas sits down with Dr Andy Mullins, an experienced educator and author, to discuss how parents can help their children develop strong character, resilience, and a solid work ethic. Drawing from his years working with families and schools like Redfield and Wollemi College in Sydney, Dr Mullins shares key insights on raising children who are both diligent in their studies and generous in their service to others. He also explores the importance of parental unity, leading by example, and staying connected with children as they grow.    Key Points: The balance between high expectations and deep affection in parenting  Why hard work alone isn't enough, but essential for character formation  How to teach children that success isn't just about personal goals, but about service  The shift from parental guidance to self-governance as children grow  The role of one-on-one time in building trust and emotional connection  Practical strategies for staying close to children despite external influences    Join the Conversation How do you encourage resilience and strong character in your children? What strategies have helped you balance expectations and affection in parenting? We'd love to hear your thoughts!    Book reference:  Fathering from the Fast Lane, Bruce Robinson.   https://www.amazon.com.au/Fathering-Fast-Lane-Practical-Ideas/dp/1876451211    You can:   Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes      

In this episode we welcome Mary Broadsmith, Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Melbourne, to discuss the role of parent engagement in schools. As the primary educators of their children, parents have a significant impact on their child's education. Mary discusses how research consistently shows that active parental involvement boosts student flourishing and achievement, strengthens student-family bonds and even staff well-being.   Key Topics:    The Research-Backed Impact of Parent Engagement: Mary discusses how studies show that students with actively involved parents tend to perform better academically and overall, highlighting the long-term benefits of parent participation in their children's education.  Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Partnership: She explores practical ways to foster open, effective communication between parents and teachers, creating a collaborative environment that supports student success and teacher wellbeing.  Boosting School Morale and Community Spirit: Mary explains how strong parent engagement not only benefits students but also improves staff morale and creates a more cohesive, supportive school community.    You can:  Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode, we explore the role of teachers in building a culture of collaboration with parents. Mary Broadsmith shares her insights and practical tips on fostering open communication, building trust, and engaging parents as active partners in their child's learning journey. Mary also emphasizes the importance of virtue education and the responsibility teachers have to model professionalism and character for their students.    Key Topics:  Creating a Collaborative Culture with Parents  Benefits of inviting parents into the classroom  Strategies for open communication and trust-building  Effective Communication Techniques  Building rapport with parents during meetings  Handling difficult conversations and emails with professionalism  The Role of Virtue Education  Integrating virtues into the classroom environment  Encouraging students to make positive choices and take responsibility        Join the Conversation:    Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode, we welcome Anthony O'Shea, the Year 3 teacher at Lysterfield Lake College. Anthony is a father of 4 and has many years of experience in Primary education. In this podcast episode, he speaks about the benefits of learning to read and write at a young age, and how to encourage children to love reading and writing.

Have you ever been worried about when the right time to enrol your child into school is? Meet Catherine Tilley, a mother and teacher who has taught in several school settings. After working n Science, she discovered her passion for early Primary education and has been in the classroom for over 8 years. In this episode, she discusses topics around school readiness for toddler-aged children!

In this episode, we welcome Kate Mathai. Kate is a mother with 6 children and 1 grandson. Kate has extensive experience in counselling and presenting various programs for high school students, married couples and young parents. She speaks about topics like the importance of adapting your parenting approach over time as your family evolves, how to resolve disputes between your children, and how every interaction with your kids is a teaching opportunity.

Meet Mr Stefen Drevikovsky. Stefen is the Head of Middle School at Redfield College and has been teaching at Redfield for 15 years. Stefen has a special aptitude for teaching languages, especially Spanish. In this episode, Stefen talks about the reasons and benefits of children learning a new language in school and provides tips on how to perfect a second language.   Recommended resources: - https://nswschoollang.schools.nsw.gov.au/ - https://sclanguages.schools.nsw.gov.au/

Oscar Trimboli is a renowned expert on the art of listening, and creator of the Apple award-winning podcast 'Deep Listening - Impact beyond words.' Oscar has interviewed over 100 of the world's most diverse workplace listeners, including air traffic controllers, deaf and foreign language interpreters, hostage negotiators and spies. Over 14,000 people have contributed to Oscar's research about what gets in the way when it comes to listening. ⁠ In this episode, Oscar explains why listening is a skill that our children must learn. ⁠He also draws upon his extensive research and experience to help parents understand the importance of being role models for listening to their children. Finally, he also goes on to explain practical ways for parents to implement the science of listening. Recommended resources Listening quiz - https://www.oscartrimboli.com/listeningquiz/ Oscar's website - https://www.oscartrimboli.com/ Oscar's podcast: Deep Listening - Impact beyond words - Oscar Trimboli - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/deep-listening-impact-beyond-words-oscar-trimboli/id1274379362

Fatherhood is a lifelong journey with its own up and downs, but the importance of a loving father's presence, especially for his daughters, can never be underestimated.⁠ In this week's episode, we hear the lived experience and advice of five fathers, who are all raising daughters of their own, on how to raise confident daughters in today's world.   This episode includes excerpts from a live presentation featuring five dads: Greg Bookallil, Gavin Boneham, Nadim El-Rahi, Jacob Kwak and Paul Stoodley, who addressed a group of parents at Tangara School for Girls in Sydney in May 2022. You Don't Want to Miss: How fathers can build a strong connection with their daughters How to team up with your spouse when raising children Guests share their top parenting advice Recommended Resources: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker, M.D. Family Enrichment Australia

Mary Broadsmith is the Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Victoria. With a wealth of teaching, and mentoring experience, Mary shares with listeners the benefits of learning in a single campus K-12 school. Mary covers areas such as friendships, bullying, parent-teacher relationships, and why students may struggle in new school settings. Key Quote: "In K-12 schools, the school gets to know the whole family." You don't want to miss Benefits of attending K-12 schools The problems with school switching How K-12 schools reduce bullying Resources: https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-choosing-starting-moving/moving-schools Related Episodes Preparing Your Child For Their Schooling Life You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Daryl Castellino is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redfield College. He shares practical tips on how our children can become the best learners. In this episode, we talk about why it's so important that your child learns beyond the test. This episode is designed to help your child become a lifelong learner.  Key Quote:  "Repetition is something that helps with long term memory."  You don't want to miss   Identifying your child's learning style  Why we need to learn beyond the test  Resources:  https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/childhood/professionals/support/egsls.pdf  Related Episodes  Helping Diverse Learners  What Is Deep Learning In The Classroom?  The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance  You can:  Submit a question to our team  Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website  Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes 

Brett Wright is the Head Of Senior School at Wollemi College. He is in his 32nd year of teaching Secondary English and has extensive HSC marking experience. Tomorrow Brett shares with parents how teenagers can be best prepared for the HSC. This episode outlines the importance of good habits, and starting preparation early. Key Quote: "It's very important that the student takes responsibility for their own learning" You don't want to miss How early should your child prepare? What habits are required for HSC success? Reducing final exam pressure Resources: https://www.hschub.nsw.edu.au/ Related Episodes Year 13, Navigating Your First Year Outside Of High School The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Junedha Sheriff is the Diverse Learning Coordinator at Tangara School For Girls. A Diverse Learning Teacher helps teach all students and takes in considerations such as abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles. Junedha has helped countless children and understands the struggles that some students face in the classroom. Today, she shares how we can help teach and understand diverse learners. We also learn about the difficulties learners will face if they are not given the tools to succeed.  Key Quote:  "These students can reach their potential as long as they are given the tools."  You don't want to miss  Types of diverse learners  How to meet the needs of a learner  Watching students flourish  Resources:  https://www.diverselearning.com.au/  Related Episodes  Signs That Your Child Has ADHD  Adolescent Anxiety  You can:  Submit a question to our team  Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website  Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes 

Judi Prasser is the founder of AV Learning Hub which offers workshops and online lessons on self-worth for teenage girls and boys. Judi shares the dangers of children constantly comparing themselves to others and provides parents with practical tips to help tackle the problem of excessive comparisons amongst students.  Key Quote:  "The first healthy comparison you can do is with yourself"  You don't want to miss  Why self-worth is a superpower   Who should we compare ourselves to?  How can parents help limit comparisons?  Resources:  https://www.avlearninghub.org/  You can:  Submit a question to our team  Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website  Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes