In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School.

Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5.

Aimed at nurturing a love of reading, the packs include books, user-friendly activity guides and materials for hands-on learning.

Along with boosting students’ confidence, the program is also breaking down barriers for parents and fostering connections within the community.

In 2024 this project was nominated for a Public Education Award and won the LGA South Australia's Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au.

In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School.
Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5.
Aimed at nurturing a love of reading, the packs include books, user-friendly activity guides and materials for hands-on learning.
Along with boosting students&rsquo; confidence, the program is also breaking down barriers for parents and fostering connections within the community.
In 2024 this project was <a href="https://youtu.be/5_arPaA0xPE">nominated for a Public Education Award</a> and won the LGA South Australia's Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries.
We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at <a data-start="184" data-end="216">education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au</a>.

Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.

A South Australian podcast about teaching and learning.

Teach

Literacy Without Barriers:  a community approach to reading 

In the final episode of Teach for 2025, Chief Executive Martin Westwell reflects on the many achievements made across the Department for Education this year.

Professor Westwell shares stories from his visits to schools and preschools and discusses big projects such as the rollout of EdChat to all secondary students and preparing for the start of 3-year-old preschool in 2026. He also highlights how sites are working towards the same goal, but in ways that suit their community.

Looking ahead to 2026, Professor Westwell encourages educators to continue working on what’s important for their community, maintain their focus on learning, and actively share their good ideas with one another.

In the final episode of Teach for 2025, Chief Executive Martin Westwell reflects on the many achievements made across the Department for Education this year.
Professor Westwell shares stories from his visits to schools and preschools and discusses big projects such as the rollout of EdChat to all secondary students and preparing for the start of 3-year-old preschool in 2026. He also highlights how sites are working towards the same goal, but in ways that suit their community.
Looking ahead to 2026, Professor Westwell encourages educators to continue working on what&rsquo;s important for their community, maintain their focus on learning, and actively share their good ideas with one another.

Chief Executive Martin Westwell reflects on the 2025 school year

In this episode Stew Nancarrow, Assistant Principal at Colonel Light Gardens Primary School and Sarah Bradbury, Assistant Director in the Department for Education’s Learning and Teaching Directorate discuss the Curriculum Leaders' Network.  This initiative is designed to connect leaders of curriculum and pedagogy in public schools across South Australia. There are separate networks for the Primary Years context and for the Secondary Years context, but each is designed to enable participants to lead and design for learning that activates our Strategy for Public Education and SA Curriculum Framework prototype.

Learn how these networks empower educators to design for  the SA Curriculum through peer learning, sharing of practice, and a focus on developing dispositions, capabilities and conceptual understanding. Hear firsthand accounts of how curriculum leaders are supporting each other, implementing new approaches, and preparing students to learn and thrive.

In this episode Stew Nancarrow, Assistant Principal at Colonel Light Gardens Primary School and Sarah Bradbury, Assistant Director in the Department for Education&rsquo;s Learning and Teaching Directorate discuss the Curriculum Leaders' Network. &nbsp;This initiative is designed to connect leaders of curriculum and pedagogy in public schools across South Australia. There are separate networks for the Primary Years context and for the Secondary Years context, but each is designed to enable participants to lead and design for learning that activates our Strategy for Public Education and SA Curriculum Framework prototype.
Learn how these networks empower educators to design for &nbsp;the SA Curriculum through peer learning, sharing of practice, and a focus on developing dispositions, capabilities and conceptual understanding. Hear firsthand accounts of how curriculum leaders are supporting each other, implementing new approaches, and preparing students to learn and thrive.

Shaping the future of learning in SA with the Curriculum Leaders’ Network

Principals Sylvia Groves, Salisbury High School and Sally Schwartzkopff, Renmark Primary School, join us to talk about implementing Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) at their schools. Hear how adopting the PBL framework has led to cultural transformation, improved wellbeing and strengthened relationships amongst their staff and students.

From overcoming challenges to celebrating school-wide achievements, this episode highlights practical strategies, the importance of community and staff buy-in, and advice for schools looking to enhance or explore their own PBL practices.

Principals Sylvia Groves, Salisbury High School and Sally Schwartzkopff, Renmark Primary School, join us to talk about implementing Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) at their schools. Hear how adopting the PBL framework has led to cultural transformation, improved wellbeing and strengthened relationships amongst their staff and students.
From overcoming challenges to celebrating school-wide achievements, this episode highlights practical strategies, the importance of community and staff buy-in, and advice for schools looking to enhance or explore their own PBL practices.

Literacy Without Barriers: a community approach to reading

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