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

Katrina Alvir, an experienced teacher and character education expert from Tangara School for Girls, shares her insights on inspiring student growth. She discusses integrating virtues into the curriculum and creating a classroom culture of responsibility and kindness. Katrina emphasizes the power of acknowledging mistakes and the importance of being a constant example for students. She also highlights the significance of showing up and being present to foster hope and resilience in learners, advocating for a collaborative approach involving teachers, parents, and the community.

Andy Mullins, former principal of Redfield and Wollemi College in Sydney, dives deep into the art of parenting for character development. He emphasizes balancing high expectations with affection, highlighting that hard work alone isn’t enough. Andy discusses the importance of teaching children about service to others, the transition from guidance to self-governance, and the vital role of one-on-one time in building trust. Practical strategies for maintaining close connections with kids amidst external influences are also shared, making this an insightful listen for nurturing resilient children.

Mary Broadsmith, Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Melbourne, sheds light on the vital role of parent engagement in education. She highlights research showing that involved parents lead to better academic performance and overall student well-being. Mary emphasizes practical strategies for enhancing parent-teacher communication, creating a supportive environment for both students and teachers. Additionally, she discusses how strong parent involvement boosts school morale and fosters a tight-knit community.

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.