In this episode of "Learning Conversations," host Lyndal Tait discusses the nature and purpose of school education with mathematician Francis Su and Inaburra Principal James Pietsch.

Francis, a former president of the Mathematical Association of America and author of "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," emphasises the importance of mathematics for its beauty, practicality, and role in improving the human experience. He critiques the performative aspects of mathematics that often exclude people who don't see themselves as maths savvy, and advocates for a more inclusive approach that recognises various ways of being mathematical. James, also with a background in Mathematics and Psychology, highlights the cultural biases in intelligence testing and the fixed views of intelligence that can limit students' potential.

The conversation stresses the importance of struggle and perseverance, and the role of mathematics in fostering virtues like hospitality and justice. They also discuss the impact of AI on mathematics education and the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and number sense beyond learning basic arithmetic and times tables.

Speakers:

Francis Su - Author, Mathematical Explorer

Francis Su writes about the dignity of human beings and the wonder of mathematical teaching. He is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college math faculty, 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 (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages has been termed “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time” by James Tanton of the Global Math Project. It offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone should learn it.

​His scholarly work can be found at his Harvey Mudd College webpage.

Dr James Pietsch – Principal Inaburra School

Dr James Pietsch became Principal of Inaburra School at the start of 2018. Prior to commencing at Inaburra, Dr Pietsch was the Dean of Professional Development and Learning at St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why where he had previously been Head of Mathematics. He has also held positions as the Dean of Residents at New College at the University of NSW, and as a lecturer and tutor in educational psychology at the University of Sydney. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology and brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his role as Principal.

James is the author of the book Character Reborn: A Philosophy of Christian Education (2018).

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.

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During their final year at Inaburra School, as they prepared for their HSC, 2023 Inaburra
School Captains, Christos Gatzastras and Sienna Thorpe sought out advice from past
graduates about their end of school experience and the opportunities they found beyond
graduation. In this ‘Beyond the Burra’ podcast episode, Christos and Sienna are speaking with Julian Annison, an Inaburra graduate from the Class of 2019. Julian shares his personal experience of navigating high school, study hacks that worked well for him in his final year, and the need for balance between study and relaxation.

The three compare their study routines during senior school, including dedicated study time before and after school, the importance of taking breaks and giving yourself permission to recharge and reset.

Julian gives advice on time management, and how organisation and preparation are key to getting through the HSC, including learning formula and practicing past papers. He also encourages students to look beyond the final exams and seize opportunities when they present themselves.

Julian Annison – Julian is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong. His focus areas include Marketing, Public Relations and Management. He has previously worked as the Corporate and Public Affairs Officer at Hireup, Australia's largest NDIS registered provider after starting out as a Disability Support Worker.

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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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In this episode, parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson joins Matt Tomlin and Tanya Grant to discuss practical strategies for managing children's technology use at home and how to foster open communication about devices. Justin shares insights from his own experience raising six daughters and provides tips parents can implement to set healthy boundaries, support student wellbeing, and keep children safe online through empathy and ongoing dialogue. Resources for further learning are also recommended.

Speakers:

Dr Justin Coulson

Justin is co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance, the founder of happyfamilies.com.au, and one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He holds a PhD in Positive Psychology.

Over the past decade he has helped innumerable families with his nine books about raising children, his hundreds of media appearances (including all of Australia’s major news outlets, and even the Washington Post and the New York Times), and two viral videos that have been viewed a combined 80 million times. Justin and his wife Kylie have been married since the late 1990s and are the parents of six daughters.

Mr Matt Tomlin
Matt is the Stage 4 Director at Inaburra School which oversees Year 7 and 8. He has more than 25 years’ experience teaching PDHPE and Biblical Studies in High Schools. For the past 15 years he has been in welfare related roles in Independent schools. Matt currently oversees the designing and directing of wellbeing programs and procedures that support student learning and character development. He also plays a key role in welcoming, guiding and supporting new Year 7 students (and families) as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Mrs Tanya Grant
Tanya is the Stage 6 Director at Inaburra School which oversees Year 11 and 12. She has more than 22 years’ experience teaching PDHPE to High School Students. More recently Tanya has held positions as Year Advisor with responsibility for the welfare and progress of the Senior graduating year groups as they journey through their final year of school. As Stage 6 Director she is responsible for designing and directing wellbeing programs and procedures that support student learning and character development and to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students in both proactive and reactive ways.

Resources and weblinks:

Happy Families (Justin Coulson)

https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/

eSafety Commissioner

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

https://www.accce.gov.au/

Kids Helpline

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents

Reach Out

https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/cyberbullying-and-teenagers

Additional Resources

https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/

https://rebeccasparrow.com/

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Brennan Fortier and Christian Coulberg from International Justice Mission join host Lyndal Tait to shed light on the grim reality of individuals ensnared in modern-day slavery, specifically those engaged in online scams targeting the West. Ryan Nyoum, a TAS teacher at Inaburra with a background in social work at Rough Edges, also joins the discussion. This podcast delves into human story behind human trafficking, emphasises the importance of cultivating curiosity and investigating beyond surface impressions to uncover the truth.

Show Notes

www.ijm.org

www.roughedges.org.au/

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In a world that seems to be spiralling increasingly out of control, is there a path to flourishing that rises above the chaos? The models of success we are told to chase are governed by internal desire, evaluated by external validation and surrounded by instability. There must be a better way. This presentation will set down a framework through which we can make sense of our rapidly changing world and re-envision success in a way that offers a deeper and more lasting fulfilment. Max Jeganathan is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity CPX. A former lawyer and political and policy adviser, Max was educated at the Australian National University and the University of Oxford and is undertaking a PhD in Law.

Max speaks on the intersection between faith, culture, economics, finance, technology and moral reasoning.

Max is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity CPX. A former lawyer and political and policy adviser, Max was educated at the Australian National University and the University of Oxford and is undertaking a PhD in Law.
He has spoken in businesses, universities and political institutions, including Samsung, Lego, Goldman Sachs and Amazon. He loves movies, good wine with his wife Fiona and making his kids laugh.

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