The Kirrawee Public School Podcast

Harriet and Sophie are super excited to bring you an engaging conversation with two of Australia's most entertaining writers, writing duo, Kate and Jol Temple . Kate and Jol are the creators of over 40 children’s books, including the Bin Chicken series, the exciting Frog Squad adventures, and the much-loved The Underdogs. Listen in for a conversation that will teach you a couple of writing tricks,...

Welcome to another entertaining episode of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast, hosted by Harriet and Max On 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...

We are very grateful to welcome another pillar of Australian literature to our show today, Nadia Wheatley. For over 40 years, Nadia Wheatley's stories have helped Australians understand their own history, culture and identity. Through engaging texts, such as her classic book, My Place, often use an array of visual clues to explore the idea of “place” – how the land around us holds stories from...

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...

Welcome to another entertaining episode of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast, hosted by the talented Archie and Kaito. On today's how, we are joined by one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors – the brilliant and perhaps, remarkable, Tim Harris!  A former teacher, now author, Tim discusses his books including,  Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables and Toffle Towers. We also discuss where idea...

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!...

Archie and Kaito welcome the talented and engaging, Australia author, Yvette Poshoglian! You might know Yvette from the hugely popular Ella & Olivia books, the Puppy Club series, or her exciting Frankie Fox – Girl Spy stories. A former High School teacher, Yvette has written dozens of books for young readers, and she brings her experience as a teacher into every story she creates. Her books he...

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 e...

Archie and Kaito are incredibly excited to bring you a conversation with one of Australia’s most celebrated authors, Jackie French. Jackie's stories have shaped how young Australians understand their history, their environment and the power of imagination. With more than 200 books to her name including much loved classic titles such as Diary of a Wombat, Hitler’s Daughter and A Waltz for Matil...

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 Schoo...

We continue the yarn with Dharawal Elder from the La Perouse community, Uncle Shayne Williams. In part 2 of this two part series, Armani, Jasmine, Kyla and Mikaela discuss the collection of spears that were taken from Botany Bay in 1770 and the importance of keeping stories and traditions alive. Uncle Shayne has spent many years teaching about indigenous language, culture, history and Country. We...

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 t...

Join Ava and Sophie A for another episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast! On today's episode, the team have a informative chat to celebrated picture book creator — author and illustrator, Marc Martin! You might know Marc from some of his books, like, We Are Starlings, A River, Max, Lots, and The Curious Explorers Illustrated Guide to Exotic Animals. Marc is known for his stunning waterc...

***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 con...

***Note for educators, click ⁠ HERE ⁠ for the free classroom activity document for this episode*** Welcome to another student-led episode from our author series and what a remarkable name we have in store today. Our two Sophies were honoured to chat with the classic children's author, Pamela Allen. You'll know Pamela from her classic picture books such as Mr McGee, Alexander's Outing,...

***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...

***Note for educators, click ⁠ HERE ⁠ for the free classroom activity document for this episode*** Welcome back to Term 4! What a way to begin the term with Kaito, Sophie A and Sophie J asking the big questions to the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Murat Dizdar. Mr Dizdar was kind to take time out of his busy schedule and share a conversation with our students about his upbringing,...

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 Fat...

In this informative student-led episode, Kaito, Sophie J, and Josh speak to the talented Queensland-based author, Josephine Moon ! Josephine Moon has published ten books for adults and most recently launched ‘The Puppy Project’, her second book in her children’s series – Millie and Stella, Best Friends Forever. Josephine talks about how she started as an author, never giving up, bird watching, aut...

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 h...

To celebrate NAIDOC week, Ava, Sophie, Kyla and Oliver lead the discussion with special guests, local Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Calita Murray and our Aboriginal Education Officer, Rachel Moore. This conversation discusses their roles within the community, the importance of indigenous culture, and why we have the Acknowledgement of Country. You'll even hear Kirrawee's customised Acknowledgement of Co...

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!

Members of the Kirrawee podcast team, Sophie A and Sophie J go live on air with ABC Radio Sydney host, Hamish Macdonald, and the Secretary of Education, Murat Dizdar, along with Mr David Mahoney, the schools STEM Coordinator. Our two Sophies reflected on their podcast experiences, while Mr Dizdar and Mr Mahoney commented on the skills students develop through our podcast projects here at Kirrawee...

In part 2 of our student-led Space Innovation Special Edition series, our students chat with innovators of the invention and human performance industry. First, meet Oliver from Grolia , whose team used design thinking in creating their mushroom-growing kitchen appliance. Finally, meet Tom from Austronaut , whose workshops are not only a prototype astronaut training program, but can also help indiv...

Our talented students discuss their Design Thinking Space Innovation projects that they competed in under the NSW Space Discovery program sponsored by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Makes Empire . In this part, you'll learn about design thinking, the importance of failing, and understand how Space fuels innovation here on Earth. This is part 1 of 2 from our innovation series. A big thank...