In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Ryan Ma, assistant principal of Saltwater P–9 College, one of Australia’s fastest-growing schools. Since opening its gates in 2019 with 490 students, Saltwater has expanded to more than 2,200 learners in just six years. With families representing over 29 nationalities and 81 languages, the school is a living snapshot of modern multicultural Australia.

Ryan explains how Saltwater balances the opportunities and challenges of such rapid growth. From welcoming new families every week to ensuring academic quality across a staff of 250 teachers, the college has re-imagined what it means to create belonging on a large scale. For students, being the “new kid” is a short-lived experience; soon replaced by another arrival: fostering a culture of welcome and adaptability.

Central to Saltwater’s philosophy is the International Baccalaureate framework, with its emphasis on inquiry, student agency, and multiple perspectives. Ryan shares how this approach allows students to move beyond rote learning into deeper, critical engagement with global issues, while also leveraging the diversity of the school community itself as a learning resource.

Staff retention and collaboration are also front and centre. Instead of isolated teaching roles, Saltwater builds faculty teams that plan and problem-solve together, much like diagnostic teams in hospitals. Teachers share insights, support each other, and collectively tackle challenges.

Data plays a pivotal role too. Inspired by the film Moneyball, Ryan demonstrates how tools like Student Maps is used to track progress, support teachers, and ensure strategies are effective. Rather than relying solely on instinct, evidence helps Saltwater refine practice and maintain consistency at scale.

Looking ahead, Ryan reflects on the future of education in Point Cook and beyond. With technology transforming access to information, he argues that schools must focus on relationships, resilience, and collaboration; the skills that will define success in the twenty-first century.

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This week on Amy & we're thrilled to be interviewing romance author and academic, Jodi McAlister, about her career and latest romance novel, An Academic Affair !! Join us as we ask Jodi all about writing romance fiction as an academic from her latest research on bonkbusters and erotic audio, to creating a believable rivals to lovers plot against the backdrop of a 'brutal neoliberal institution that will never love you back' (not to mention dreaming about the perfect wine pairings).

Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

LINKS

• Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
• Find Jodi here: @jodimcalister
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School’s Bullengerook campus (https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary This is Going to Be Big, (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big) which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham.

Darcy shares how a “yes, and” philosophy helped transform the school’s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunities.

From the documentary’s origin, sparked by a student’s heartfelt declaration, “This is going to be big” - to the decision to weave John Farnham’s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.

The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.

Whether you’re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what’s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.

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Since shooting to fame with “The Rosie Project”, Graeme Simsion has formed a successful writing partnership with his psychiatrist wife, Anne Buist. Here they share with Annie why the mental health system provides such fertile ground for their creativity, the change they hope to see in that world…and the nuts and bolts of working together.

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Can a murder mystery warm your heart? Cath thinks Zane Lovitt has pulled it off and enjoys chatting to him about his good-natured suburban crime story, “The Body Next Door”. It’s got all the captivating characters, clever clues and surprising twists one needs for a truly satisfying whodunit.

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Our random reader also enjoys books he can unwind with such as the mysteries of Alexander McCall Smith and Richard Osman. Or, for a change of pace, the nostalgia of “The Diary of Adrian Mole” series by Sue Townsend or a spot of popular science with “Breath” by James Nestor.

Guests

Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, authors of “The Glass House” and “The Oasis”, books number 1 & 2 in the “Menzies Mental Health” series.

Zane Lovitt, author of “The Body Next Door”.

Other books that get a mention:

Cath also mentions Siang Lu’s Miles Franklin winning novel, ”Ghost Cities”.

Annie mentions “Woo Woo” by Ella Baxter, “All Fours” by Miranda July, “Nighbitch” by Rachel Yonder and “The Slip” by Miriam Webster.

INSTAGRAM
@hachetteaus
@anneebuist
@gcsimsion
@text_publishing
@zane_lovitt

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Welcome back to Academia Month!

This week, we talk through two fascinating academic articles, 'The Australian Convict Prostitute Romance', and 'Conflict and Colonialism in 21st Century Romantic Historical Fiction: Repairing the Past, Repurposing History' by one of our podcast favourites, Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, with a shoutout to Dr Paloma Fresno-Calleja too! Prepare for a raucous discussion, a mysterious disappearance by our very own Abby Guy, and multiple moments where we get so entangled in our discussion that we cut each other off.

Mentions: The Convict Wives Trilogy by Lena Dowling

Damned Whores And Gods police by Anne Summers

A Cargo of Women by Babbette Smith

Academic Rivals by Jodi McAlister

TEXT Journal by Scholastic Romance Writers Australia

Articles:

The Australian Convict Prostitute Romance Narrating Social and Sexual Justice for “Damned Whores” by Hsu-Ming Teo.

Conflict and Colonialism in 21st Century Romantic Historical Fiction: Repairing the Past, Repurposing History by Hsu-Ming Teo and Paloma Fresno-Calleja

Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://tr.ee/Mn6oTQ2AOW

Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

LINKS

• Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast

• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis is joined by Jason Mustin, assistant principal at Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Palmerston, Northern Territory. Drawing from 17 years in education and an early career in medical science, Jason Mustin brings a unique blend of analytical insight and heartfelt leadership to the table.

From navigating national education policy through a Territory lens to building genuine student connection in a transient workforce, Jason shares grounded, deeply reflective perspectives on what great leadership looks like in remote Australian contexts. He discusses the importance of creating clarity amid complexity, strategies for engaging digitally native teens, and how fostering identity and resilience starts with listening, not lecturing.

The conversation explores how staff turnover is managed through shared values like “connect before content,” and how culture-building is sustained through a radically welcoming mindset. Jason also unpacks how working closely with Indigenous communities has reshaped his understanding of connection to land, and why humility and curiosity are essential in leading schools in the Territory.

This episode offers rich, real-world insights for educators looking to lead with integrity, harness change with optimism, and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in remote regions. Whether you’re in a classroom, leadership role, or education policy, this discussion with Jason Mustin will leave you inspired and ready to rethink your approach to student connection and school culture.

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Welcome to Academia Month, where the vibes are casual but the thoughts are deep 🧠. In this episode, Amy is joined by Justina, Millie, and special return guestie Kathleen Stanley to talk all things academia. Tune in to hear all about their TEXT special issue, how being an academic is both scary and fun, and why you don't have to justify being a romance researcher anymore! Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

LINKS

• Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
• Find Kathleen Stanley on IG: @decktheshelves
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, Ben Sacco offers a fresh perspective on classroom behaviour. Drawing from his book ‘Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!’, he challenges traditional approaches to student discipline and reframes disruption as a signal, not simply a setback. With a decade of experience in education, policy, and innovation, he blends research and real-world strategies for today’s schools.

This interview explores the three underlying causes of disruption: intentional choices, personal challenges, and survival responses. Each requires a different approach. Rather than applying blanket consequences, Ben advocates for non-intrusive accountability, responding with both empathy and structure.

Listeners will learn how to create psychologically safe classrooms that support both teachers and students. When the right conditions are in place, explicit teaching becomes far more effective. Ben explains how teachers can build these environments through relational trust, clear expectations, and connection.

The conversation also covers mobile phone bans, educational policy, and school leadership. Ben argues that policies should reflect the reality of students’ digital lives. Banning tech, he suggests, may forgo key teachable moments. Instead, he calls for guidance, boundaries, and better digital literacy education.

Principals, teachers, parents, and policymakers each have a role in creating safe, inclusive schools. From cultural shifts to clever routines like “hot chocolate mornings,” Ben shares the small, powerful changes that shape meaningful learning environments. This episode is a must for anyone invested in improving school culture and student wellbeing. Ben Sacco offers a powerful call to rethink disruption and transform it into opportunity.

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