The Kirrawee Public School Podcast

How can a puppet help someone find their voice, understand big feelings or experience a moment of joy?In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Kyla and Maddie interview puppeteer, teacher and artist Kay Yasugi. Kay shares how an unexpected library discovery sparked her puppetry journey and how mentors helped her along the way.From teaching at Liverpool Hospital School to creating puppet characters in live theatre performances, Kay reveals how puppetry can build confidence, encourage connection and bring laughter. She also offers advice for budding creators: have a go, embrace mistakes and enjoy the process.A warm and playful conversation about creativity, empathy and the power of puppets.Interested in Kay's work? Follow here work through the below links!Liverpool Hospital School Film Project blog — Kay teaches one day a week here, making puppet films with the students. Lately they are also starting a podcast!TAP (The Anxiety Project)/ Managing Miggy — puppet videos, songs and lessons about emotional regulation; created by Kay and Concord West Public SchoolUNIMA Australia — the official puppetry organisation of Australia (Kay volunteers as General Secretary).Pupperoos — Kay's puppet studio Kay wishes to thank her mentors Mal Heap (who was Modigliana the Cat in The Ferals) and Caroline Astell-Burt from the London School of Puppetry. The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Caleb and Harriet dive into the spectacular world of Cirque du Soleil through the eyes of talented acrobat Nelson Smiles. After years of perfecting his hoop diving craft, Nelson was discovered through his social media videos and now travels with the worlds largest contemporary circus producer. In this discussion, you'll hear about daily circus life, the thrill of performance, embracing mistakes and even some authentic advice for aspiring performers. We joined Nelson via video feed where he is currently performing in Toronto, Canada.The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Welcome to another entertaining episode of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast, hosted by Harriet and MaxOn today's how, we are joined by one of Australia women's most respected past footballers and former Matilda, Teresa Polias.Teresa shares her thoughts on being an A-grade footballer, leadership and what it takes on improving your self, no matter what your age or what your passions are. Settle in for a very authentic conversation from the team of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast!

Ava and Max welcome Australian author, Sue Whiting to the show. Sue has written more than 70 books over her career which include both picture books and novels. Her Novels, ‘A Book of Chance’, ‘Get a Grip, Cooper Jones’ and her ‘Pearly and Pig’ series are some of her chapter books that have also been shortlisted and recognised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.Sue shares where her ideas come from, who is part of the book publishing process and provides advice for young writers.So get comfortable, and let’s welcome our very special guest, Sue Whiting.

Archie and Kaito continue the conversation with the delightful Yvette Poshoglian! In the final part of our chat, we discuss Yvette's writing routine, how animals are incorporated into her books and perhaps some animals she may donate to a particular school.We loved creating this episode with Yvette. She is engaging, inspiring and a joy to be around - even if it's via a video chat. Thanks, Yvette!As always, thanks for listening to the Kirrawee Public School Podcast.

Archie and Kaito continue the conversation with renowned Australian author, Jackie French.In this final part of the conversation, Archie and Kaito talk to Jackie about emotional language, character planning, and how teachers have affected her career. Begin with Kaito asking Jackie about ‘blue pages’ and the effect emotional pages like these have on the reader.As always, we hope you enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more episodes from the Kirrawee Public School team.

Join Archie and Kaito as they have an entertaining chat to author and film maker, Lisa Nicol!Not only will you learn about her brand-new story, The Adventures of Pongo and Stink, but you'll hear why resilience, creativity and play are all powerful forces to make the best version of yourself.So sit back, relax and grab your dog suit and enjoy this author episode from the Kirrawee Public School Podcast team!

Today we have a yarn with Dharawal Elder from the La Perouse community, Uncle Shayne Williams.Uncle Shayne has spent many years teaching about indigenous language, culture, history and Country. In part one of this episode, we join Armani, Jasmine, Kyla and Mikaela and hear about his life growing up on a Reserve Mission and his role as an indigenous elder. This episode continues to part 2, where the team discusses the collection of spears that were taken from Botany Bay in 1770 and the importance of keeping stories and traditions alive.

***Note for educators, click ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ for the free classroom activity document for this episode***In this episode of the Kirrawee Public School podcast, hosts Ava and Archie interview Helen Dallimore, an accomplished actor and debut author. Helen shares insights into her career transition from acting to writing and discusses her debut novel, 'The Hits and Misses of Melody Moss.' The conversation covers her experiences in theatre and television, the challenges of writing, why 'bad guy' roles are so much fun and the inspiration behind her book. Helen also reflects on resilience in the arts and offers advice for aspiring creatives.As always, look out for more engaging and educational conversations from the students and staff of Kirrawee Public School.

***Note for educators, click HERE for the free classroom activity document for this episode***What a laugh this podcast was to make!Welcome to our second podcast of Term 4, 2025 and what a cracker of a conversation do we have for you!You'll know Nat's books from titles such as 'Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire', 'The Power of Positive Pranking', 'The Right Way to Rock', and 'We Run Tomorrow'. We definitely know Nat's books aren't AI generated! Why? Because someone this funny and engaging MUST write her own books which are just as funny and engaging as she is. Join Archie and Ava as they ask Nat about her author beginnings, her endless amount of cool jobs and, of course, the writing process.We have no doubt you'll love this giggly conversation from one of Australia's most engaging children's authors!Once again, stay tuned for more conversations from the students and staff of Kirrawee Public School.

Welcome to a special teacher-led Father's Day episode!Joining staff member David Mahoney and our Principal, Cameron Campbell, is fatherhood facilitator and educator, Jason Seeman. Jason brings more than a decade of transformative experience to the world of parenting. Jason is Head of Schools, at the Rites of Passage Institute, based in Byron Bay, Australia and also the founder of Raising Fathers which supports men to become grounded, connected, and present for themselves and their families through transformative educational experiences. Topics on the table include;the role of the father/father-figure, the positive effect fathering can have on the childthe childhood to adulthood transition stagewhat are 'Rite of Passage’support tools available for parentsThis episode is another way Kirrawee Public School aims to foster deep, meaningful relationships and connections with our community.We hope you enjoy the episode.

Is my child ready for school?In this teacher-led episode, Assistant Principal, Mel Oostdam chats with school psychologist, Donna Roberts on the popular topic of school readiness.Towards the end of each school year, our school, like all primary schools, receives regular enquiries from parents wondering if their child is ready to begin kindergarten. So, Kirrawee Public School thought it would be helpful to gather some information, which might be of benefit to some families who might still be deciding about whether to send their child to school in the coming year. We hope you find the discussion here helpful, and if you do have further queries, please contact our school.

Sophie and Kaito welcome one of Australia's most loved children's authors, Mem Fox.Mem discusses how she began writing, the beauty of children and the elderly, what makes a good book and the power of never giving up.We hope you love listening to this beautiful conversation between two generations .So please welcome, the timeless, Mem Fox!