In this episode, Suzy chats with Michael Turner & Christy Smith.

Michael Turner: Director of Wellbeing

As a member of the Leadership Team, Michael oversees all aspects of Wellbeing at the College, including the STRIVE program, their wellbeing model.

Christy Smith: Leader of Positive Education

Christy's main role is to develop, promote, and implement a sustainable model of Positive Education through STRIVE.

In this episode, Suzy chats with Toni Kirton & Sue Walduck.

Toni Kirton: Director of Positive Education and Leadership

Toni Kirton is the Director of Positive Education and Leadership at A.B. Paterson College, an Independent School on the northern end of the Gold Coast. Toni is responsible for the development of Positive Education, Service Learning, Student Leadership, Staff Wellness and Community Engagement across the Prep to Year 12 campus of the College. The Director of Positive Education and Leadership works closely with the Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation and the Director of Teacher Development and Effectiveness to ensure the seamless integration of the principles of positive psychology with our teaching and learning practices underpinned by the work of Harvard Graduate School of Education, John Hattie and Robert Marzano.

Toni commenced at A.B Paterson College in 2014 as the Career and Guidance Counsellor. She has held various positions in both State and Independent schools including Year Level Co-ordinator, Student Advisor and School Counsellor. Toni considers herself a lifelong learner, which is evidenced by her commitment to her professional development, having completed a Master of Education, majoring in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Educational Studies, majoring in Guidance and Counselling.

Sue Walduck: Director of Teacher Development and Effectiveness

The Director of Teacher Development and Effectiveness is responsible for the induction of all new teachers at A.B. Paterson College ensuring their understanding of the Teaching for Understanding framework and their UEH (Understanding, Effect and Humanity) coaching program. In addition, Sue works with teachers new to educating in Queensland, with their submission of a portfolio for full registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.

Sue joined A.B. Paterson College most recently in 2020 during the online learning period when most students were working from home. She was however very familiar with the A.B Community as she had worked there from 2001 to 2007 and then again in 2011. Sue has held various positions, inclusive of: Head of House, Head of Faculty, Coordinator of International Programs and the Director of Staff in Independent Schools throughout Queensland.

Sue has a strong passion for people and culture evidenced through completed Masters level studies in Human Resources.

In this episode, Suzy chats with Sean Riordan & Susie Ahern.

Sean Riordan:

Deputy Headmaster - Head of Senior School and Student Wellbeing (P-12). Dip Teach (QUT), Grad Dip Bus Comm (QUT), MEd Leadership (ACU/BC)

Sean is a passionate educator who has held leadership roles across multiple sectors. Sean’s focus is on staff development, overseeing all elements of professional practice, including the College’s Partnership Coaching program, professional learning, performance planning and career development. Sean is further charged with making connections with organisations, such as higher education institutions, that can provide valuable opportunities for our staff and students. Sean enjoys teaching English, and Philosophy and Reason, as well as connecting with students through roles in boarding, rugby and tennis. Sean is committed to providing opportunities for Social Action, having recently led a group of students on an Indigenous Immersion experience to Cape York.

Susie Ahern: Director of Positive Education and Wellbeing

With almost 40 years in education, Susie has researched, designed, and culturally aligned a number of Pre-prep to Year 12 Positive Education programs that sit as purpose-built Pastoral Care and Wellbeing frameworks. The frameworks draw on science to enhance core components of wellbeing and aim to produce well-rounded and resilient individuals who are capable of thriving personally, academically, and professionally and, who are well-equipped to contribute to society in a satisfying and meaningful way.

Susie started her educational journey as a Physical Education teacher after completing her tertiary training at James Cook University in North Queensland. She went on to complete a several Positive Education trainings through the Institute of Positive Education; a Certificate in Positive Psychology (CiPP) under tutelage of Tal Ben-Shahar at the Whole-being Institute as well as completing a number of Certificates in Applied Positive Psychology through Positive Difference.

Susie has worked passionately, with a number of schools, both here and abroad, to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the language and psychological benefits of a culturally aligned wellbeing framework that encourage all members of an educational community to live a grateful and purposeful life.