Stephen Crockford has spent 55 years in education, leading change and lifting expectations in Melbourne’s northwest. In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis talks with Stephen about his long career and his final weeks as principal of St Albans Meadows Primary School (www.samps.vic.edu.au). Together, they trace his journey from classroom teacher to community leader, shaped by humility, consistency, and a deep belief in children’s potential. The conversation offers a rare long view of how one principal can help transform a school over decades. It also reveals how culture, not quick fixes, keeps improvement alive.

Rather than start with test scores, Stephen focused first on joy, belonging, and pride. Sport became a powerful lever to get students turning up, trying hard, and seeing themselves as part of something bigger. Performing arts followed, with concerts, choirs, bands, and dance groups reshaping how the community saw the school. As a result, students who once felt behind began to stand tall on stage and on the field. Then explicit teaching and careful curriculum work ensured that high expectations in literacy and numeracy matched the growing confidence.

Technology was never a gimmick for Stephen. Instead, he backed a one-to-one laptop model in a low socio-economic context, using leasing and clear educational purpose to make devices accessible. At the same time, he kept pen and paper, rich experiences, and front-loaded vocabulary at the centre of learning. Behind the scenes, he built a leadership “pyramid”, with emerging and emerging-emerging leaders always ready to step up. Consequently, the school now has deep curriculum expertise and a strong bench of future principals.

Listeners will hear practical insights on building culture through consistency, calmness, and respect. They will also discover how a free parent gym, kitchen garden and clubs for chess, Lego, sport, writing and more help families feel welcome without turning parents into unpaid teachers. Whether you are a new principal, an aspiring leader, or a classroom teacher, this episode with Stephen Crockford will spark reflection on legacy, resilience, and what it means to stay a “teacher first”.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), Lisa Burt joins host Steve Davis to explore how inclusive leadership reshapes learning within a small school setting. As principal of Knox Central Primary School (www.knoxcentral.vic.edu.au), she leads a school community of 74 students and demonstrates how relationships, predictability and calm environments support every learner.

From the outset, Lisa explains how her move from a large suburban school to Knox Central changed her approach to leadership. With fewer staff layers, she is often the person who responds when challenges arise. However, this close connection means families and students see her as approachable and available. Her daily walk through each classroom builds trust and reinforces a strong sense of community.

Because Lisa also teaches PE, students see her as both principal and active participant in school life. This relatability helps families who previously felt uncertain about school to re-engage with confidence. Her visible presence also supports staff wellbeing, as teachers know she understands the pressures of the classroom.

The discussion turns to inclusive classrooms, where predictable routines and structured spaces help students, especially those with autism, feel secure. Daily schedules, quiet zones and Schoolwide Positive Behaviours create a consistent and supportive learning environment.

Literacy improvement is another key focus. After discovering gaps in early reading skills, the school adopted explicit phonics instruction and tools like DIBELS. As a result, students develop phonemic awareness and reading confidence, while teachers gain clearer data to guide instruction.

Technology also supports personalised learning at Knox Central. Google Classroom, Mathletics and Reading Eggs allow teachers to tailor tasks and help students practise skills beyond school hours.

Finally, Lisa reflects on funding, perception and the unique strengths of boutique schools. She highlights the importance of reframing “small schools” as environments rich in connection, opportunity and individual support. This episode offers practical ideas for leaders and teachers seeking to strengthen inclusion and rethink what small schools can achieve.

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**Listener warning: This episode contains mild swearing and a brief reference to adult themes.**

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by comedian and action learning coach Daniel Delby to unpack how humour can transform classroom management and teacher wellbeing. Drawing on his journey from drama and phys-ed teaching into science and special needs support, Daniel shows how laughter can keep both students and teachers engaged for the long haul.

As the creator of Teacher Comedy Night (teachercomedynight.com), Daniel has turned everyday school stories into a space where educators can connect, unwind and realise they are not alone. Teachers come for the laughs; however, they also leave with fresh perspective on behaviour, relationships and classroom management strategies. Along the way, Daniel shares how a professional learning course in Classroom Management Strategies (CMS) shifted his mindset from “these kids are the problem” to “what can I do differently?”

Throughout the conversation, Daniel explains why humour works so powerfully in the classroom. Teachers are constantly performing in front of up to 34 students. Therefore, they must learn to hold attention, break the ice and win the class over. Yet he is clear that not every teacher needs to be a stand-up comic. Instead, he argues that authenticity, clear boundaries and genuine interest in students matter just as much as punchlines.

The episode also explores how Daniel uses freestyle rap and improvisation to hook students into learning. From rapping about classes at assemblies to encouraging students to expand their vocabularies so they can rhyme, he demonstrates how creativity can sit alongside curriculum goals. As a result, humour becomes more than a gimmick; it becomes a tool for connection, confidence and student voice.

Listeners will also hear about Daniel’s touring Teacher Comedy Night shows, his links to major comedy festivals and the growing community of teachers who are discovering comedy as a way to stay in the profession. Ultimately, this episode is for any educator who loves their students, feels the strain of the job and wants practical, light-hearted ideas to bring joy back into teaching.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Dylan Sulzer, founder of Not Just Teacher Education (www.notjustateachereducation.com), to explore how Dylan’s unique journey—from Port Lincoln to the Northern Territory and even mustering cattle—has shaped his deep understanding of emotional intelligence in education.

Dylan brings practical tools and insights to help teachers and students navigate tricky behaviour, build emotional regulation, and foster a positive classroom culture. He reframes defiance as a bid for independence and examines the balance between happiness and purpose, offering educators a fresh way to connect, support and empower young people both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout the episode, Dylan explains the five domains of emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and relational communication — and shows how educators can apply them in the real world. He shares simple, applicable strategies such as breathing techniques and naming tasks to re-engage teachers’ thinking brains in stressful moments.
Furthermore, Dylan’s student-brand program demonstrates how young people can identify their character strengths, develop a sense of identity and shift from external rewards to intrinsic motivation. The conversation also touches on the role of choice in managing student independence, why banning social media might be a band-aid solution, and the importance of being more impressive in person than online.

This episode is ideal for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in shaping classroom culture with emotional intelligence at the heart.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Nolan, Principal of Port Melbourne Secondary College (www.portmelbournesc.vic.edu.au) to explore how leadership, vision, and creativity shape a school’s culture and community.

Tim leads one of Melbourne’s most distinctive schools, a striking campus inspired by the maritime character of Port Melbourne. From shipping containers to cruise-liner flair, the design mirrors a philosophy that values innovation, inclusivity, and connection. Throughout the conversation, Tim shares insights on leading with purpose amid rapid educational change and how culture and positivity drive effective teams.

Listeners will hear how Tim’s leadership journey across Catholic, arts-focused, and STEM-driven schools has helped him understand what makes communities thrive. He explains why aspiring leaders should “do the job of the person above you” to build capacity and confidence. This episode also explores the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the role of creativity in teaching, and why trust and communication remain the cornerstones of strong school culture.

The discussion turns to hands-on, real-world learning; from boat restoration projects to partnerships with community mentors at the local Men’s Shed. These programs help students discover confidence and purpose beyond the classroom while fostering intergenerational learning. Tim also reflects on how schools can stay visionary within regulatory frameworks, finding their “true north” by always asking what’s best for students.

From navigating funding and growth at Fishermans Bend to building pathways for vocational and inclusive education, Tim highlights how adaptability and collaboration future-proof modern schools. The conversation closes with his vision for graduates who feel supported, inspired, and ready to lead others with empathy and curiosity.

This episode offers practical inspiration for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to balance innovation with community connection in Australian education.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Tim Bullard, CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) (aitsl.edu.au), to explore the state of the teaching profession across Australia. With more than half a million registered teachers, Tim shares how the latest Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is helping policymakers, educators, and communities understand the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping schools today.

The conversation uncovers what the data reveals about teacher well-being, retention, and professional growth, and how education systems can better support teachers through every career stage. Tim discusses the importance of recognising teaching as a human endeavour, one grounded in connection, trust, and lifelong learning. He also highlights how returning teachers bring valuable life experience back into classrooms, enriching student learning and strengthening school communities.

Steve and Tim explore how AI can reduce teacher workload without losing the essential human connection that defines effective teaching. From workload management and flexible career pathways to national initiatives like the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the discussion offers a clear-eyed look at how evidence-based policy and innovation can improve outcomes for both teachers and students.

As World Teachers’ Day approaches, Tim shares why celebrating educators year-round is essential to building a culture of trust, respect, and appreciation across the nation. This episode is a timely reminder of how teachers’ voices and data-driven insights can shape the future of Australian education.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis is joined by Richard (Richie) Furber, Principal Consultant at the Motivation Foundation (motivationfoundation.com.au) and leader of the soon-to-launch Motivation Education Career School in Perth. Together, they explore how innovative education models are connecting learning with real-world industry opportunities.

Richie shares how Motivation Foundation is transforming outcomes for students at academic risk by combining practical training, strong industry partnerships, and a deep belief in belonging and hope. Students graduate with recognised VET qualifications in civil construction, mining, and workplace skills—equipping them for meaningful, long-term employment.

The conversation uncovers the school’s holistic approach: from teaching employability habits and professional behaviour to fostering resilience through trauma-informed practice. Richie explains how data-driven case management ensures each learner receives individualised support, while collaboration with organisations like the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and local employers builds confidence and purpose.

Listeners will also hear how the Motivation Foundation creates industry-simulated environments where students develop practical competence, re-engage with learning, and find hope in achievable futures. This inspiring discussion offers educators and school leaders valuable insights into alternative pathways that empower young Australians to thrive beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or training provider, this episode highlights how attitude, belonging, and authentic partnerships can change lives—and strengthen communities.

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Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au) joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away.

First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help staff spot patterns quickly and start supportive conversations with families.

Importantly, Lisa highlights neuro-affirming practice. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and strong adult connections help neurodivergent students; in fact, they benefit everyone. Furthermore, flexible regulation supports—like planned breaks or headphones for focus—can reduce anxiety and increase engagement. Yet schools cannot carry the load alone. Therefore, respectful partnerships with families and allied professionals are vital.

We also step into multi-tiered systems of support. Lisa explains how MTSS for attendance builds universal, targeted, and intensive responses over time. In addition, she reflects on international collaborations and OECD insights linking belonging, safety, and achievement. As a result, listeners gain a broader perspective on what works here in Australia and abroad.

Finally, the episode calls for national leadership. A coordinated plan would amplify local innovations, reduce duplication, and elevate voices that are often missed. Teachers, leaders, and system thinkers will find actionable ideas, thoughtful nuance, and renewed confidence to tackle attendance with empathy and evidence.

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