For Francis Su, a society without mathematical affection is like a city without concerts, parks, or museums. In this Founders Lecture, Francis will show that mathematics is an experience of the mind and, most importantly, of the heart. Su offers an inclusive vision of what mathematics is, who it is for, and how it relates to the dignity of being human.

Francis Su is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Harvard University and is now a mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College, a science and engineering university in California. This year, he is a visiting researcher at the Sydney Maths Research Institute. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize in the United States for college level teaching of maths, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and The New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing, winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages. It is an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone can learn it and has been referred to as “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time”.

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Lyndal Tait and Mel Clarke discuss the benefits of spending time in nature for mental and physical health. They share personal experiences and tips for incorporating nature into daily routines, highlighting the positive impact on mental health and spirituality. Mel explores how combining exercise in a natural setting can boost healthy hormone levels. She also provides insights on how to engage kids and teenagers in nature-based activities. The conversation emphasises the importance of prioritising nature in our busy lives and building a sense of ownership and investment in the natural world in order to stay connected to place.

Strategies for incorporating nature into your family life:

• Plan bushwalking trips and other outdoor activities during the school holidays
• Visit local nature areas regularly and notice changes over time to help develop a relationship with that space
• Find locations tailored to your interests like beaches, waterfalls, and areas of wildlife, and visit with attention, purpose and conversation
• Follow bushwalking groups on social media for a variety of recommendations for walks

References:

Welcome to Huberman Lab - www.hubermanlab.com

David George Haskell - https://dghaskell.com/theforestunseen

D.O.S.E. https://www.happyfeed.co/research/4-brain-chemicals-make-you-happy

Speakers:

Lyndal Tait –Leader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School

Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachers’ job intentions and commitment.

Mel Clarke – Inaburra Deputy Head of Senior School

Mel Clarke is a PDHPE educator with a wealth of experience in the student wellbeing space. She is a passionate advocate for physical activity and holistic health. Mel enjoys challenging individuals to push their limits and foster self-improvement and has road-tested the outdoor strategies discussed in this podcast with her three active, high-energy children. Beyond the classroom, she finds serenity and inspiration through bushwalking, merging her love for nature with her role as a citizen scientist. Her contributions to the latest Sydney Basin Koala Report highlights her commitment to environmental stewardship.

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Inaburra’s Director of Music, Jen Geering, discusses her research into the impacts of music education with recent Inaburra graduate Abbey Parkes, piano accompanist Ray Avard and host Lyndal Tait. They share their personal musical journeys and how learning an instrument shaped them over time. Insights are provided into forming community through music and how it cultivates growth and influences academic performance far beyond the classroom. Advice is also offered for parents on encouraging children to develop skills like diligence and perseverance through their music practice.

In the conversation:

Lyndal Tait –Leader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School

Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher’s professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotions in teachers’ job intentions and commitment.

Jen Geering – Inaburra Director of Music K-12
Jen has been the Director of Music at Inaburra since 2017. She began her musical journey aged just five, playing the violin. Jen furthered her training at the Conservatorium High School in Sydney. She holds a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Education and has just completed her Masters in Educational Leadership at UNSW. Jen oversees Inaburra's extensive music program, which includes ensembles, tutoring and academic courses. Her postgraduate research examined factors that influence students to continue or stop playing instruments. Under her leadership, Inaburra’s music program cultivates community and supports students' well-being and lifelong appreciation of music.

Ray Avard – Piano Accompanist and Retired Music Teacher
Ray is a renowned piano accompanist who began playing when he was seven. He went on to become a music teacher. Now retired, Ray still practices up to three hours a day in order to accompany many of the students in their HSC performances. With over 50 years of experience in music education, Ray has inspired countless young musicians with his passion and dedication to the craft.

Abbey Parkes – Inaburra Graduate
Abbey is Inaburra Alumnus and a former School Captain. In her graduate year she was the recipient of the prestigious Elwyn Townsend Award for Commitment and Dedication to Music. Abbey began learning piano at a young age and was heavily involved in Inaburra's music program throughout her studies due to her love of performing and the close-knit community it provided. Now pursuing a career in education, Abbey continues to be active in the music space, returning to play with the school ensembles and singing at her local church.

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