Alternative Schools conference 2023

Carolyn has over 20 years’ experience as a Principal in independent schools covering the spectrum from a high-fee, highly academic girls’ school through a PK – 12 community school where 100% of the students were LBOTE, to a Special Assistance School for young people 15 – 22 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Carolyn is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people through a holistic education that is inclusive and supportive of all students and future focused.  Warakirri College has 5 campuses in western Sydney serving young people who have disconnected from mainstream education through social disadvantage, mental health challenges, gender dysphoria, interface with the justice system, parenthood or the trauma associated with refugee status.

To meet the wide diversity of student needs, the school curriculum uses principles of Universal Design for learning and Michael Fullan’s New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, while a rigorous outdoor education program and trauma-informed practice supplement the wrap-around support provided by teachers, counsellors and wellbeing staff.

Carolyn was awarded a Menzies Foundation School Leader Fellowship which has supported her recent study tour to the USA and UK visiting alternative schools.  During her time in the US, she completed the course Achieving Excellence in Educational Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which will inform her presentation.

Dr. Martin Hughes holds a PhD in Evolution from the University of Glasgow and has always nurtured a passion for teaching and engaging with students facing disadvantages. In 2019, he took his commitment further by establishing a research hub at Skillset Senior College in New South Wales.

Using his background in experimental design and statistical analysis, Martin has created a range of novel studies within the college and is currently working with a number of Australian universities to investigate the impact of alternative education on student mental health and physiology.

Leanne Woodley works as a education consultant for the Association of Independent Schools, NSW. She works collaboratively with teachers to strengthen inclusive practices through the design of learning, teaching and assessment experiences. Her role focusses on supporting students with diverse needs, disabilities and challenging behaviours in a variety of educational settings. She provides advice and implementation support on disability legislation, Universal Design for Learning and schoolwide frameworks to assist schools develop inclusive practices. 

Dr Julia Starling is a speech pathologist who has extensive clinical and research experience with populations of children, adolescents and young adults with language and literacy disorders. Her professional life has spanned many decades, countries and cultures. Julia has worked with community health multidisciplinary teams, with remote outreach organisations, with mental health services and as a university clinical educator and lecturer.

 Currently, Julia presents lectures, seminars and workshops, continues an active involvement in research projects, and produces resources for speech pathologists and teachers. Additionally, Julia is President of the Learning Difficulties Coalition of NSW.

Nathan is a teacher at Warakirri College’s Blacktown Campus.  He has 27 years of teaching experience in secondary schools, including almost two years at Warakirri College. Nathan is a First Grade Rugby Union referee, Masters’ Athlete, Dad and Husband.

His goals are to help facilitate communities with purpose, and opportunities without limits with the manual on how to use our brain to create pathways to exciting new choices.

Leanne Woodley works as a education consultant for the Association of Independent Schools, NSW. She works collaboratively with teachers to strengthen inclusive practices through the design of learning, teaching and assessment experiences. Her role focusses on supporting students with diverse needs, disabilities and challenging behaviours in a variety of educational settings. She provides advice and implementation support on disability legislation, Universal Design for Learning and schoolwide frameworks to assist schools develop inclusive practices. 

Christian is a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of sports and exercise science. He has worked in a variety of roles over the years, including as a fitness and sports coordinator for the YMCA and boxing and weightlifting coach for the PCYC.

He has taught Science and PDHPE at several independent and Catholic schools, coaching Rowing, Rugby, and Aussie Rules, as well as being a specialist instructor with the NSW Police Force.

Susi Prescott taught LOTE over twenty years in prestigious private colleges in country Victoria and Sydney, before a complete change of scene which saw her move to the town of Arequipa, in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. There she spent twelve years supporting a little school in the desert squatter settlements in every way she could – teaching students English, training teachers, assisting the executive team and, most importantly of all, seeking out funding.

On her return to Australia in 2020 she joined Warakirri College as Learning Support Co-ordinator, her role being to develop a system to maximise NCCD funding. On the outskirts of Sydney, Susi rapidly discovered marginalised young people equally affected by trauma and violence as those she had encountered in the slums around Arequipa, albeit in slightly better physical living conditions.

After four years of collaborative planning and co-operation with all staff over the three campuses of Warakirri College, much has been achieved, and we are eager to share what has been learned and developed. No such thing as the NDIS exists in Peru, and our good fortune here in Australia calls for ethical and accountable use of taxpayers’ money to best assist our students.

Ann Turner is the Curriculum Coordinator for St Mary’s Flexible Learning Centre. Ann has worked at this alternate school since its beginning in 2015. SMFLC is one of the 22 registered Edmund Rice Education Australia Flexible Schools across Australia. Ann oversees all aspects of curriculum and VET planning, operation, review and auditing as well supporting all teachers to work with a relational, trauma informed practice. 

Carolyn has over 20 years’ experience as a Principal in independent schools covering the spectrum from a high-fee, highly academic girls’ school through a PK – 12 community school where 100% of the students were LBOTE, to a Special Assistance School for young people 15 – 22 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Carolyn is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people through a holistic education that is inclusive and supportive of all students and future focused.  Warakirri College has 5 campuses in western Sydney serving young people who have disconnected from mainstream education through social disadvantage, mental health challenges, gender dysphoria, interface with the justice system, parenthood or the trauma associated with refugee status.

To meet the wide diversity of student needs, the school curriculum uses principles of Universal Design for learning and Michael Fullan’s New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, while a rigorous outdoor education program and trauma-informed practice supplement the wrap-around support provided by teachers, counsellors and wellbeing staff.

Carolyn was awarded a Menzies Foundation School Leader Fellowship which has supported her recent study tour to the USA and UK visiting alternative schools.  During her time in the US, she completed the course Achieving Excellence in Educational Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which will inform her presentation.

Tim Connell is an Australian special education consultant with over 20 years’ experience across all sectors.

Tim has worked with hundreds of students and schools in a variety of executive and special education consultancy roles including 9 years as a specialist behaviour consultant with Department of Education and Training (DET) and 6 years as a special education consultant with the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW).

He has presented extensively at schools and conferences on a range of special education related topics including school based mental health support, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Positive Classroom Management, Tourette’s Disorder and more.

Tim’s work is underpinned by a depth of knowledge and clarity of communication that empowers students, schools and parents alike. 

Carolyn has over 20 years’ experience as a Principal in independent schools covering the spectrum from a high-fee, highly academic girls’ school through a PK – 12 community school where 100% of the students were LBOTE, to a Special Assistance School for young people 15 – 22 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Carolyn is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people through a holistic education that is inclusive and supportive of all students and future focused.  Warakirri College has 5 campuses in western Sydney serving young people who have disconnected from mainstream education through social disadvantage, mental health challenges, gender dysphoria, interface with the justice system, parenthood or the trauma associated with refugee status.

To meet the wide diversity of student needs, the school curriculum uses principles of Universal Design for learning and Michael Fullan’s New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, while a rigorous outdoor education program and trauma-informed practice supplement the wrap-around support provided by teachers, counsellors and wellbeing staff.

Carolyn was awarded a Menzies Foundation School Leader Fellowship which has supported her recent study tour to the USA and UK visiting alternative schools.  During her time in the US, she completed the course Achieving Excellence in Educational Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which will inform her presentation.

Daniel Merza is an award-winning international speaker and author, specialising in wellbeing and leadership.

Daniel has developed clever and fun ways to engage, empower and equip thousands of people worldwide – from students, parents, educators to corporate professionals and business entrepreneurs - to get the monkeys off their back and thrive. He has been featured on radio and media outlets, and his work has also been acknowledged in NSW Parliament. In 2022, Daniel led Professional Speakers Australia (NSW Chapter) as President.

Carolyn has over 20 years’ experience as a Principal in independent schools covering the spectrum from a high-fee, highly academic girls’ school through a PK – 12 community school where 100% of the students were LBOTE, to a Special Assistance School for young people 15 – 22 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Carolyn is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people through a holistic education that is inclusive and supportive of all students and future focused.  Warakirri College has 5 campuses in western Sydney serving young people who have disconnected from mainstream education through social disadvantage, mental health challenges, gender dysphoria, interface with the justice system, parenthood or the trauma associated with refugee status.

To meet the wide diversity of student needs, the school curriculum uses principles of Universal Design for learning and Michael Fullan’s New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, while a rigorous outdoor education program and trauma-informed practice supplement the wrap-around support provided by teachers, counsellors and wellbeing staff.

Carolyn was awarded a Menzies Foundation School Leader Fellowship which has supported her recent study tour to the USA and UK visiting alternative schools.  During her time in the US, she completed the course Achieving Excellence in Educational Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which will inform her presentation.

David worked in advertising for 35 years. All while suffering from a rollercoaster-like mental illness known as bipolar 1.

He is now a keynote speaker for the Black Dog Institute having spoken to organisations such as the Australian Road Transport Industry, Linfox, Glencore Mining, Shell and even the Friends and Family of Missing People Police Unit.

David is also a Mental Health First Aid trainer, serves on a mental health action group for the Australian insurer TAL and has been interviewed by the Australian Financial Review and appeared on the SBS show Insight about workplace wellbeing.

Kristy is the Principal Curriculum Officer, Diversity at NESA. She has extensive experience in curriculum and school leadership, change management and teaching students with a range of disability in specialist settings. Kristy has led school teams in reforming approaches to programming and planning for students with disability including selecting the most appropriate curriculum option. She works with schools and sectors to aid them in understanding their legislative obligations for students with disability and unpacks the flexibility of the NSW curriculum for our diverse learners.

Tony has taught in a variety of settings from mainstream to China to Special Assistance Schools (Alternate Schools). He is very passionate about alternate education and believes that every student deserves an education when they are ready. He has been the Principal at Kairos Community College for 9 years highlighted by a 100% Queensland Certificate of Education completion rate.

Trish Ikin has been working in education for 30 years. She started in mainstream education settings, retrained in special education focusing on ED/BD and then worked with all support categories in the public system. She later retrained in psychology and has been the Principal at the Shoalhaven River College for the last 5 years, with an enrolment of 60 Stage 5 and 6 students. The intention is to know as much about a student as possible to provide them with a comprehensive supportive educational program.  She believes the more you understand about a student the more you can implement the appropriate pedagogy and wellbeing supports to allow them to thrive as a student and young person as they prepare for the workforce.

Tammie has worked in the Alternative Education sector for six years. Has been the Distance Education Coordinator since November 2021. She holds a Master of Teaching, Bachelor of Psychology, and Graduate Certificate in Education. 

Sally Lasslett is the Principal of Heaster Hornbrook Academy and General Manager of Education with MCM. In her time in this role Sally has put the flexible school setting on the map! She has grown her school from under 80 students to more than 400. She has a master plan for growth to ensure that education is accessible to all young people, most particular those who have been failed by the mainstream school system. Sally has been an educational leader in a variety of school settings and roles for over 25 years. Sally is an advocate for successful pathways and transitions for disengaged young people. She is a leading Principal in the Independent Flexible school setting and has been innovative and impactful in the way that she ensures that those young people who are NEET – Not in Employment, Education or Training can re-engage and have access to the essential wellbeing supports required for educational success. Sally is also an active Home Economics professional with a passion for developing real life skills. Sally has been a lead author on numerous VCE and other secondary level textbooks always aiming to ensure that her writing is inclusive and accessible to all young people. Sally has a keen interest in assisting students to find a passion for learning and ensuring that they are successful in developing post school pathways. Sally deeply passionate and intentionally purposeful in her leadership, ensuring that good quality education which is deeply human centred and highly inclusive is accessible to all young people, regardless of their academic backgrounds, wellbeing needs or challenges that they may face.

 Amanda Amato brings sixteen years of youth services experience that has focused on supporting young people placed on youth justice orders, in out of home care and those from newly arrived and migrant backgrounds.

Amanda is the Assistant Principal of Wellbeing and Inclusion at Hester Hornbrook Academy and is responsible for leading the schools strategic work around wellbeing, understanding diversity and strengthening inclusion across the school.

In an educational setting, Amanda believes that creating a safe environment that is inclusive and focuses on relationship building and repair is essential; as with safe supportive relationships young people can freely express themselves and actively lead and participate in their wellbeing and learning journey.

Steve Hunter, Sales and Engineering Director, Australia and New Zealand

Steve leads sales engineering in Australia and New Zealand for Arctic Wolf. His team works with customers across Australia and New Zealand to build a 24x7 cyber defensive capability from the systems they’ve already deployed. Prior to Arctic Wolf, Steve’s technology career spans Australia and the Asia Pacific with companies like Google, Forescout and Cisco and he has led technology teams in a variety of industries including mining, chemical and financial services before moving to the technology provider side with Cisco. 

With more than two decades of experience delivering next-generation application and infrastructure services in educational environments, I have a passion for getting more out of technology, sharing knowledge, and making staff and students' lives better.

After working for 15.5 years at the University of Technology Sydney, I moved into private educational institutions prior to joining the wonderful Strategic Leadership Team at Warakirri College.

Steve Hunter, Sales and Engineering Director, Australia and New Zealand

Steve leads sales engineering in Australia and New Zealand for Arctic Wolf. His team works with customers across Australia and New Zealand to build a 24x7 cyber defensive capability from the systems they’ve already deployed. Prior to Arctic Wolf, Steve’s technology career spans Australia and the Asia Pacific with companies like Google, Forescout and Cisco and he has led technology teams in a variety of industries including mining, chemical and financial services before moving to the technology provider side with Cisco. 

With more than two decades of experience delivering next-generation application and infrastructure services in educational environments, I have a passion for getting more out of technology, sharing knowledge, and making staff and students' lives better.

After working for 15.5 years at the University of Technology Sydney, I moved into private educational institutions prior to joining the wonderful Strategic Leadership Team at Warakirri College.

Adrian is the Director of Inspiring the Future Australia, one of three services provided by Schools Industry Partnership.  Adrian has 52 years of experience in education, community development, career development and cross sector partnership brokering in Australia and overseas. He commenced his career as a Primary School Teacher in Victoria and in a remote indigenous community school in Western Australia, For the past 34 years, he has worked extensively in the Australian Vocational Education & Training sector and has initiated numerous school/business/community partnerships to support secondary school students to make successful transitions through school into further education and employment. He is passionate about inspiring and supporting young people to recognise and utilise their potential in order to make successful transitions through school and into further education and employment and to self-manage their future career pathways.