Andre Casson joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) for an audio conversation with host Steve Davis. Andre is the Headmaster of Brisbane Boys’ College (bbc.qld.edu.au), and he brings a science teacher’s lens to leadership. Moreover, his experience spans Australia, the UK, and international schools in Asia.

Firstly, Andre reflects on preparation and opportunity. He shares how unexpected doors can open in education. However, he also explains why readiness matters most. In addition, he encourages teachers to embrace growth and cultural learning when working abroad.

The discussion then turns to boys’ learning and school design. Andre explains why many boys need movement to think well. Therefore, learning spaces at Brisbane Boys’ College are designed for collaboration and flexibility. For example, breakout areas support group work and active tasks. He also shares a simple lesson on states of matter, using physical movement to build understanding.

Importantly, Andre highlights the value of sport and physical activity. Brisbane Boys’ College continues physical education into Years 11 and 12. As a result, students keep building teamwork, resilience, and self-control. Meanwhile, co-curricular programs create more ways to belong and thrive.

Relationships sit at the centre of Andre’s approach. He explains why authenticity matters with boys. Additionally, he outlines how staff are supported to build trust beyond the classroom. That includes coaching, presence, and everyday interest in students’ lives.

The episode also explores inclusivity and respectful relationships. Andre describes a clear, structured curriculum that teaches consent and safe behaviours from the early years. Furthermore, he explains how culture is shaped through consistent modelling and correction.

Finally, Andre breaks down the 6:1 positive-to-negative feedback ratio. He links it to research and daily practice. In particular, he shares how positive calls home can reinforce character. Over time, this approach supports “gentlemen of honour” through decency, accountability, and healthy vulnerability.

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Andre Casson joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) for an audio conversation with host Steve Davis. Andre is the Headmaster of Brisbane Boys&rsquo; College (bbc.qld.edu.au), and he brings a science teacher&rsquo;s lens to leadership. Moreover, his experience spans Australia, the UK, and international schools in Asia.
Firstly, Andre reflects on preparation and opportunity. He shares how unexpected doors can open in education. However, he also explains why readiness matters most. In addition, he encourages teachers to embrace growth and cultural learning when working abroad.
The discussion then turns to boys&rsquo; learning and school design. Andre explains why many boys need movement to think well. Therefore, learning spaces at Brisbane Boys&rsquo; College are designed for collaboration and flexibility. For example, breakout areas support group work and active tasks. He also shares a simple lesson on states of matter, using physical movement to build understanding.
Importantly, Andre highlights the value of sport and physical activity. Brisbane Boys&rsquo; College continues physical education into Years 11 and 12. As a result, students keep building teamwork, resilience, and self-control. Meanwhile, co-curricular programs create more ways to belong and thrive.
Relationships sit at the centre of Andre&rsquo;s approach. He explains why authenticity matters with boys. Additionally, he outlines how staff are supported to build trust beyond the classroom. That includes coaching, presence, and everyday interest in students&rsquo; lives.
The episode also explores inclusivity and respectful relationships. Andre describes a clear, structured curriculum that teaches consent and safe behaviours from the early years. Furthermore, he explains how culture is shaped through consistent modelling and correction.
Finally, Andre breaks down the 6:1 positive-to-negative feedback ratio. He links it to research and daily practice. In particular, he shares how positive calls home can reinforce character. Over time, this approach supports &ldquo;gentlemen of honour&rdquo; through decency, accountability, and healthy vulnerability.
Powered by: xuno.com.au.

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;

Around the School Table 

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"Big Brain" A term to describe the most intellectual of individuals.
This channel is dedicated to our podcasts where you'll learn something!

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Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;

Around The School Table

Episode 31: Andre Casson - Active Learning and Gentlemen of Honour - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) (www.edresearch.edu.au), Australia’s national evidence body for education.

Together, they unpack why nine education ministers backed a shared “national evidence institute” approach. Moreover, they explore how AERO turns research into practical guidance for schools. Importantly, the focus stays on what improves learning, not just what sounds appealing.

Jennyexplains why outcomes did not always match investment after the Gonski reforms. However, she also highlights what changed with the later focus on how funding is used. As a result, the conversation centres on teaching practice as the key lever. It also challenges the idea that money alone lifts results.

The episode then dives into initial teacher education reform. First, Jenny outlines four core areas every graduate should master. These include cognitive science, explicit instruction, classroom management, and responsive teaching. Consequently, the goal is classroom-ready teachers with consistent foundations nationwide.

Next, Steve and Jenny explore what explicit instruction looks like in practice. For example, lessons are sequenced to reduce cognitive overload. Then, students practise with guidance before working independently. In addition, classroom routines are taught clearly and reinforced consistently.

Professional learning is also under the microscope. Notably, AERO tested “booster” sessions using rigorous trials. Surprisingly, the extra sessions did not improve outcomes. Therefore, the findings help systems invest in what truly sticks.

Finally, the discussion turns to equity, disability, and First Nations education. AERO is examining concentrated disadvantage and access to effective teaching. Meanwhile, a national survey on disability in classrooms is planned for 2026. There is also close attention on two-ways learning approaches, with benefits that may extend to all students.

This episode offers grounded insights for teachers, leaders, and policymakers who want evidence that reduces guesswork and supports better learning.


Powered by: xuno.com.au.

In this episode of Around the School Table (<a href="http://www.xuno.com.au/podcasts">xuno.com.au/podcasts</a>) host Steve Davis is joined by Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) (<a href="http://www.edresearch.edu.au">www.edresearch.edu.au</a>), Australia&rsquo;s national evidence body for education.
Together, they unpack why nine education ministers backed a shared &ldquo;national evidence institute&rdquo; approach. Moreover, they explore how AERO turns research into practical guidance for schools. Importantly, the focus stays on what improves learning, not just what sounds appealing.
Jenny explains why outcomes did not always match investment after the Gonski reforms. However, she also highlights what changed with the later focus on how funding is used. As a result, the conversation centres on teaching practice as the key lever. It also challenges the idea that money alone lifts results.
The episode then dives into initial teacher education reform. First, Jenny outlines four core areas every graduate should master. These include cognitive science, explicit instruction, classroom management, and responsive teaching. Consequently, the goal is classroom-ready teachers with consistent foundations nationwide.
Next, Steve and Jenny explore what explicit instruction looks like in practice. For example, lessons are sequenced to reduce cognitive overload. Then, students practise with guidance before working independently. In addition, classroom routines are taught clearly and reinforced consistently.
Professional learning is also under the microscope. Notably, AERO tested &ldquo;booster&rdquo; sessions using rigorous trials. Surprisingly, the extra sessions did not improve outcomes. Therefore, the findings help systems invest in what truly sticks.
Finally, the discussion turns to equity, disability, and First Nations education. AERO is examining concentrated disadvantage and access to effective teaching. Meanwhile, a national survey on disability in classrooms is planned for 2026. There is also close attention on two-ways learning approaches, with benefits that may extend to all students.
This episode offers grounded insights for teachers, leaders, and policymakers who want evidence that reduces guesswork and supports better learning.
 Powered by: xuno.com.au.

Episode 30: Dr Jenny Donovan - Evidence That Works in Australian Classrooms - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Shanti Clements, Principal of Seven Hills West Public School (sevenhillw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au), for the final interview of 2025. From the outset, Shanti shares a simple mission with real weight: growing great human beings every day.

With more than 30 years in education and a PhD in educational leadership, Shanti blends research with lived experience. Importantly, she leads within one of Western Sydney’s most culturally diverse school communities. As a result, the school’s purpose is shaped by both Eastern and Western perspectives on learning, leadership, and belonging.

Shanti explains how the school embedded the Leader in Me(leaderinme.com) approach in 2020. Then, she unpacks how the Seven Habits became practical, everyday habits for students and staff. For example, students are placed at the centre of learning decisions. Instead of being passive recipients, they co-design, co-construct, and reflect on what helps learning stick.

Next, Shanti describes the impact of student leadership through the SRC. Students run learning walks each term. They focus on the student learning experience. They also interview teachers and provide feedback on engagement. Additionally, they redesigned school signage to align behaviour expectations with the Seven Habits.

Wellbeing is treated as visible data, not guesswork. So, Shanti outlines how Life Skills Go (lifeskillsgroup.com.au) daily check-ins helped the school notice what students “walk in with”. Later in the day, the data often shifted positively. That change highlighted school as a place of safety and regulation. Furthermore, Shanti links wellbeing supports to practical strategies, including breakfast club, which lifts attendance.

The conversation also turns to staff culture. Shanti supports early career teachers with coaching and leadership pathways. Moreover, she invests in staff wellbeing through flourish and courageous culture work.

Finally, Shanti reflects on wisdom, service leadership, and lifelong growth. The result is a powerful reminder that schools shape far more than academic outcomes.

Powered by: xuno.com.au.

In this episode of <a href="In%20this%20episode%20of%20Around%20the%20School%20Table%20(xuno.com.au/podcasts),%20host%20Steve%20Davis%20is%20joined%20by%20Shanti%20Clements,%20Principal%20of%20Seven%20Hills%20West%20Public%20School%20(sevenhillw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au),%20for%20the%20final%20interview%20of%202025.%20From%20the%20outset,%20Shanti%20shares%20a%20simple%20mission%20with%20real%20weight:%20growing%20great%20human%20beings%20every%20day.%20With%20more%20than%2030%20years%20in%20education%20and%20a%20PhD%20in%20educational%20leadership,%20Shanti%20blends%20research%20with%20lived%20experience.%20Importantly,%20she%20leads%20within%20one%20of%20Western%20Sydney&rsquo;s%20most%20culturally%20diverse%20school%20communities.%20As%20a%20result,%20the%20school&rsquo;s%20purpose%20is%20shaped%20by%20both%20Eastern%20and%20Western%20perspectives%20on%20learning,%20leadership,%20and%20belonging.%20Shanti%20explains%20how%20the%20school%20embedded%20the%20Leader%20in%20Me%20(leaderinme.com)%20approach%20in%202020.%20Then,%20she%20unpacks%20how%20the%20Seven%20Habits%20became%20practical,%20everyday%20habits%20for%20students%20and%20staff.%20For%20example,%20students%20are%20placed%20at%20the%20centre%20of%20learning%20decisions.%20Instead%20of%20being%20passive%20recipients,%20they%20co-design,%20co-construct,%20and%20reflect%20on%20what%20helps%20learning%20stick.%20Next,%20Shanti%20describes%20the%20impact%20of%20student%20leadership%20through%20the%20SRC.%20Students%20run%20learning%20walks%20each%20term.%20They%20focus%20on%20the%20student%20learning%20experience.%20They%20also%20interview%20teachers%20and%20provide%20feedback%20on%20engagement.%20Additionally,%20they%20redesigned%20school%20signage%20to%20align%20behaviour%20expectations%20with%20the%20Seven%20Habits.%20Wellbeing%20is%20treated%20as%20visible%20data,%20not%20guesswork.%20So,%20Shanti%20outlines%20how%20Life%20Skills%20Go%20(lifeskillsgroup.com.au)%20daily%20check-ins%20helped%20the%20school%20notice%20what%20students%20&ldquo;walk%20in%20with&rdquo;.%20Later%20in%20the%20day,%20the%20data%20often%20shifted%20positively.%20That%20change%20highlighted%20school%20as%20a%20place%20of%20safety%20and%20regulation.%20Furthermore,%20Shanti%20links%20wellbeing%20supports%20to%20practical%20strategies,%20including%20breakfast%20club,%20which%20lifts%20attendance.%20The%20conversation%20also%20turns%20to%20staff%20culture.%20Shanti%20supports%20early%20career%20teachers%20with%20coaching%20and%20leadership%20pathways.%20Moreover,%20she%20invests%20in%20staff%20wellbeing%20through%20flourish%20and%20courageous%20culture%20work.%20Finally,%20Shanti%20reflects%20on%20wisdom,%20service%20leadership,%20and%20lifelong%20growth.%20The%20result%20is%20a%20powerful%20reminder%20that%20schools%20shape%20far%20more%20than%20academic%20outcomes.%20Powered%20by:%20xuno.com.au.">Around the School Table</a> (<a href="http://www.xuno.com.au/podcast">xuno.com.au/podcasts</a>), host Steve Davis is joined by Shanti Clements, Principal of <a href="https://sevenhillw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/">Seven Hills West Public School</a> (sevenhillw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au), for the final interview of 2025. From the outset, Shanti shares a simple mission with real weight: growing great human beings every day.
With more than 30 years in education and a PhD in educational leadership, Shanti blends research with lived experience. Importantly, she leads within one of Western Sydney&rsquo;s most culturally diverse school communities. As a result, the school&rsquo;s purpose is shaped by both Eastern and Western perspectives on learning, leadership, and belonging.
Shanti explains how the school embedded the <a href="https://www.leaderinme.com/">Leader in Me</a> (leaderinme.com) approach in 2020. Then, she unpacks how the Seven Habits became practical, everyday habits for students and staff. For example, students are placed at the centre of learning decisions. Instead of being passive recipients, they co-design, co-construct, and reflect on what helps learning stick.
Next, Shanti describes the impact of student leadership through the SRC. Students run learning walks each term. They focus on the student learning experience. They also interview teachers and provide feedback on engagement. Additionally, they redesigned school signage to align behaviour expectations with the Seven Habits.
Wellbeing is treated as visible data, not guesswork. So, Shanti outlines how <a href="https://www.lifeskillsgroup.com.au/">Life Skills Go</a> (<a href="http://www.lifeskillsgroup.com.au">lifeskillsgroup.com.au</a>) daily check-ins helped the school notice what students &ldquo;walk in with&rdquo;. Later in the day, the data often shifted positively. That change highlighted school as a place of safety and regulation. Furthermore, Shanti links wellbeing supports to practical strategies, including breakfast club, which lifts attendance.
The conversation also turns to staff culture. Shanti supports early career teachers with coaching and leadership pathways. Moreover, she invests in staff wellbeing through flourish and courageous culture work.
Finally, Shanti reflects on wisdom, service leadership, and lifelong growth. The result is a powerful reminder that schools shape far more than academic outcomes.
Powered by: xuno.com.au.

Episode 29: Shanti Clements - Growing Great Human Beings Every Day - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by James Wright, a physics teacher and Digital Innovation Lead at Garden International School (gardenschool.edu.my) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school is home to around 50 nationalities. It also supports a thriving, multilingual community.

After 12 years in Malaysia, James on what changes when you teach internationally. Yet, he also shares what stays the same. Students are still students, wherever you teach. However, expectations around grades can vary wildly.

So, the conversation turns to assessment and reporting. Parents may be familiar with GCSE grades, IB scores, GPA, or Australian systems. Because of that, a single letter grade can create confusion. It can also create anxiety. Therefore, James explains why visual reporting can build clarity fast.

He breaks down how graphical reporting helps families understand progress at a glance. For example, a simple bar or curve can show “where your child is” right now. It can also show “where we expect them to be”. Meanwhile, teachers still get the numbers when they need detail.

The discussion also explores technology choices in schools. James contrasts “school-in-a-box” platforms with flexible tools. In particular, he explains why Accelerus stands out for reporting. It is curriculum agnostic. It is also highly customisable. As a result, schools can shape reports around their own language and processes.

Importantly, James talks about leading change without overwhelm. First, he starts with a clear shared vision. Then, he involves staff, parents, and administration early. Also, he looks for the people most likely to challenge the plan. Those voices are treated as valuable. Because of that, issues are spotted sooner.

Finally, the episode tackles data sovereignty and APIs. James argues that schools should be able to move data in and out easily. That flexibility supports long-term strategy. It also builds trust.

Powered by: xuno.com.au.

In this episode of Around the School Table (<a href="http://www.xuno.com.au/podcasts">xuno.com.au/podcasts</a>), host Steve Davis is joined by James Wright, a physics teacher and Digital Innovation Lead at Garden International School (gardenschool.edu.my) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school is home to around 50 nationalities. It also supports a thriving, multilingual community.
After 12 years in Malaysia, James on what changes when you teach internationally. Yet, he also shares what stays the same. Students are still students, wherever you teach. However, expectations around grades can vary wildly.
So, the conversation turns to assessment and reporting. Parents may be familiar with GCSE grades, IB scores, GPA, or Australian systems. Because of that, a single letter grade can create confusion. It can also create anxiety. Therefore, James explains why visual reporting can build clarity fast.
He breaks down how graphical reporting helps families understand progress at a glance. For example, a simple bar or curve can show &ldquo;where your child is&rdquo; right now. It can also show &ldquo;where we expect them to be&rdquo;. Meanwhile, teachers still get the numbers when they need detail.
The discussion also explores technology choices in schools. James contrasts &ldquo;school-in-a-box&rdquo; platforms with flexible tools. In particular, he explains why Accelerus stands out for reporting. It is curriculum agnostic. It is also highly customisable. As a result, schools can shape reports around their own language and processes.
Importantly, James talks about leading change without overwhelm. First, he starts with a clear shared vision. Then, he involves staff, parents, and administration early. Also, he looks for the people most likely to challenge the plan. Those voices are treated as valuable. Because of that, issues are spotted sooner.
Finally, the episode tackles data sovereignty and APIs. James argues that schools should be able to move data in and out easily. That flexibility supports long-term strategy. It also builds trust.
Powered by: xuno.com.au.

Episode 31: Andre Casson - Active Learning and Gentlemen of Honour - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

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