Teaching and Learning

Embracing Diversity

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:11:43 +1000

Our School value of 'embracing diversity' is all about authentically valuing the richness of difference, and appreciating and recognising that all perspectives contribute to our community. In this episode, hear from long-standing members of our CGS community, Ross Nankervis and Cecily Gregory, as they share the ways listening, being curious, embracing discomfort in environments of contrast, and walking in someone else's shoes, can help us to grow and create a sense of safety and belonging at our school as well as beyond.

Outdoor Education at Yarra Junction

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:33:40 +1000

Some of our Year 5 students have just returned from three nights at our Yarra Junction Campus - the perfect chance to hear from Head of YJ Sarah Klein, YJ teacher Aaron Hosking, and Year 11 student Vivian about the impact of the experience. Students leave YJ having learned from Indigenous practices, grown in confidence, and better understanding themselves, others and their surrounding world. It's no wonder so many Year 5s name YJ Camp the highlight of their year!

Learning Through Play

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:41:20 +1000

This episode features two of our brilliant Early Learning Centre teachers, Mrs Narelle Wartnaby and Ms Emilie Hickey. For parents of children both young and older, we hope you enjoy listening in as Emilie and Narelle share about the power of play and its importance in our children’s lives, from early learning and beyond.

Meet Our Literacy Coaches

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:42:44 +1000

In this episode, we're joined by our Literacy Coaches, Alison O'Dwyer and Patrick Hoare, who also teach in Prep and Year 4. They share how they came to be passionate about literacy teaching, and walk us through our classroom approaches to phonics, reading, writing, and - just as importantly - speaking and listening at WHJ.

Life & Faith

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:57:55 +1100

Join host Dan Rodgers and our Head of Chaplaincy, Reverend Ryan Holt, to learn about the long tradition of faith and service at the heart of our school - from the story of our founders to the way it continues to shape who we are today. Rev. Holt shares how his doctoral research into service culture has influenced the evolution of our PYP Exhibition journey, and reminds us of the power of pause and what it means to "move at the speed of trust".

Support, Stretch & Beyond

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:07:09 +1100

In this episode, Dan Rodgers is joined by Head of Learning Strategies Stacey Reid for a conversation about the many ways the Learning Strategies team meets learners where they are - and then takes them further. From intervention to enrichment and the introduction of our new High Potential Program, this episode shines a light on the quiet but powerful work happening every day to support every child.

Health & Physical Education

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:35:42 +1100

Whether you're a fan of sport or not, this episode featuring our Health & PE team, Jess Humble and Lizzy Brooks, will inspire you to get moving and think differently about what it means to be healthy. Jess and Lizzy share their love of sport, reflect on being strong role models for girls, and offer practical tips for parents on weaving more movement into everyday life.

New Beginnings

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:52:30 +1100

What does it mean to begin again? In the first episode of our new season, host and Year 5 teacher Dan Rodgers welcomes Jeannie Ch'ng, Head of Teaching and Learning at WHJ, to explore the theme of new beginnings. Jeannie shares what excites her about the year ahead, reflects on the power of routines and rhythms in helping students be ready to learn, and offers insight into how intentional beginnings set the tone for a thriving school community.

Reflections on Hope

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:24:52 +1100

In this final episode for 2025, Dan Rodgers speaks with Deputy Principal and WHJ Head of Campus Imogen Whiting about the meaning of hope, how hope is cultivated in our learners, and developing hope through adversity - the idea that facing discomfort builds character, resilience and the pathways thinking that helps students believe they can navigate challenges and shape their own futures. We wish all our listeners a safe, restful summer break and look forward to reconnecting in 2026!

Legacy

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:36:36 +1100

Join our Deputy Head of Campus, Jonathan Twigg, in his final weeks before retirement as he reflects on the theme of legacy at WHJ. Through personal anecdotes and stories of his journey so far, he shares wisdom about the legacy we create as parents and educators in empowering future generations, and speaks about the significance of embracing diversity in our culturally rich community. His insights remind us how the seeds planted today will flourish tomorrow, and to focus on what truly matters.

Wellbeing

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:03:47 +1100

What does wellbeing look like for children and the adults who care for them? Host Dan Rodgers explores this with Junior School Counsellor Nicole Nelson, who speaks of wellbeing as 'feeling good' and 'functioning well'. Nicole discusses classroom practices like morning circles, highlights school wellbeing events throughout the year, and offers guidance on home routines that support both children's and parents' wellbeing - because thriving families start with thriving adults.

Creativity

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:24:33 +1100

Creativity takes centre stage in this episode as host and Year 5 teacher Dan Rodgers sits down with Julia Trifonov, our Junior School Music Teacher. Discover what happens in the music classroom, how we nurture creative expression in our students, and why creativity through music matters both now and in their future. Julia also offers encouraging advice for anyone who thinks they "aren't musical".