Your School Journey

Emmanuel College

Your School Journey is a podcast bringing school-related topics into focus for parents. Together, we’ll demystify what’s happening in education and provide practical advice for supporting your child’s growth. Your School Journey is an initiative of Emmanuel College as part of our commitment to partner with parents in shaping the learning and growth of young people.

  1. #12 - Creating happy, healthy and confident girls

    Feb 16

    #12 - Creating happy, healthy and confident girls

    In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Emma Tabacaru (Founder of Pippin Girl, educator, author and youth speaker) to explore the real pressures shaping young girls’ lives today — from body image and puberty to social media and identity. Emma draws on her extensive experience as a teacher, pastoral carer and youth presenter, and the work she does through Pippin Girl — a trusted movement producing honest, values-based guides and resources to help girls navigate puberty, friendships, the online world, relationships and self-worth with confidence and clarity.  Together, they unpack how cultural messaging and digital comparison train young minds to prioritise appearance over wellbeing, why so many girls struggle with body dissatisfaction at increasingly younger ages, and how parents and schools can support healthy self-image and resilience. Emma shares practical insights on having age-appropriate conversations about bodies, boundaries, relationships and online influence — minus the awkwardness, and with real compassion.  The discussion also highlights the value of creating spaces where girls feel heard, supported and equipped to think critically about the world around them. Emma offers actionable guidance for families and educators looking to champion authenticity, connection and courage in girls’ lives.  This episode is a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about raising girls who know their worth, trust their bodies and step into life with purpose — rooted in the belief that honest guidance and informed support can change the narrative for the next generation. Learn more: ⁠⁠Emmanuel College⁠⁠ Have questions or feedback? Contact us at production@emmanuel.qld.edu.au

    30 min
  2. Feb 8

    #11 - The importance of music in school

    In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Andrew Tuppen (Lego Master and Head of Instrumental Worship and Events at Emmanuel College), to explore the powerful role music plays in a student’s school journey. Together, they unpack the many ways music shapes young people, from cognitive development and academic performance to emotional wellbeing, self-discipline, creativity and connection. Andrew shares his deeply personal journey into music, how it became a source of healing and purpose, and how those experiences continue to inform his approach to music education today. Drawing on years of classroom experience and international performance, he explains why music is a workout for the brain, how it supports learning across subjects like science and mathematics, and why schools are often the first and most important place students encounter music. The conversation also explores the social and emotional power of music, from the joy and belonging found in ensembles and choirs to the unique way music connects people across cultures and languages. Andrew reflects on Emmanuel College’s approach to building musicians from the ground up, the importance of high expectations and expert teachers, and how performance opportunities inspire younger students to imagine what they might become. They also discuss the vital role parents play in supporting musical learning at home, particularly the importance of commitment, perseverance, and helping children push through the challenging stages of practice, as well as practical advice for families whose schools may not offer strong music programs. This episode is a compelling reminder that music in schools is about far more than learning an instrument. It is about developing discipline, resilience, creativity and connection, and nurturing the whole person for life beyond the classroom. Learn more: ⁠Emmanuel College⁠Have questions or feedback? Contact us at ⁠production@emmanuel.qld.edu.au

    25 min

About

Your School Journey is a podcast bringing school-related topics into focus for parents. Together, we’ll demystify what’s happening in education and provide practical advice for supporting your child’s growth. Your School Journey is an initiative of Emmanuel College as part of our commitment to partner with parents in shaping the learning and growth of young people.

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