Educator insights

Barbara Gillis, an educator working to develop curriculum materials for a peace education program to be piloted in South Australia, shares her review of Prem Rawat’s book ‘Hear Yourself – How to find Peace in a Noisy World’.

‘Over the Christmas break last year, I decided to commit myself to being active every day for at least 28 days in a row so that I could develop a healthy habit.’ Tamara Smith from St Mary’s Memorial School in South Australia shares how she began walking every day and the positive effect it’s had.

Primary school educator Gary Romeo shares his book review of If You Build It…, a memoir by American actor Dwier Brown, which delves into themes of fate and family relationships.

‘I love to help others and feel genuine satisfaction when I can do something for someone else.’ Principal of St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield, Queensland, Anne-Marie Maw shares why she enjoys volunteering her time to help others, and how it has become part of her own wellbeing strategy.

‘I started out teaching with my heart and soul overflowing, committed to the success and wellbeing of my students. But over time I became conflicted.’ Teacher and counsellor Anne Miller shares how for years she struggled with the administrative demands of teaching, and why she’s now an advocate for valuing the importance of a teacher’s heart and soul.

‘The sense of achievement I feel when a messy, weedy garden bed is turned back into a neat and tidy patch makes me happy.’ Victorian educator Donna White shares her passion for gardening with readers, explaining why her garden is both a form of escapism and a sense of pride.

‘Whenever my colleagues say they’re stressed, I give them a lecture about the benefits of “me time”.’ Primary teacher Vikki Rhodes shares how she makes time to care for her own wellbeing by walking with her friend, and by attending weekly Zumba classes.

Principal David Smith shares three activities he’s embedded into his life to maintain his health, fitness and wellbeing, whilst also helping to relieve some of the pressures that come with being a school leader.

‘At times struggling with sadness and sorrow, I found that playing a musical instrument that requires total focus … only allowed time to focus on the present and future possibilities, not on the sadness of the past.’ Barbara Calder, an educator from New South Wales, shares why she made the decision to take up the challenging hobby of learning to play the saxophone.

‘Walking is more than getting from one place to another.’ Assistant Principal Amanda Alcock shares how her walking routine has helped her to gain perspective, focus and gratitude, and explains why it will always be an important part of her life.