The Kirrawee Public School Podcast

Kirrawee Public School
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Welcome to our school's podcast series, where you’ll hear from our students, teachers and special guests. In this innovative project, our student-led episodes will focus on topics to enhance student learning and drive student engagement whilst developing our students' voices and creative expression through podcast creation. Our teacher-led episodes aim to support parents navigating their child's school journey. Kirrawee Public School is located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.

  1. Sep 11

    [Ep30] Puppeteer, Kay Yasugi, on Creativity, Mentors and Becoming a Puppeteer!

    How can a puppet help someone find their voice, understand big feelings or experience a moment of joy? In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Kyla and Maddie interview puppeteer, teacher and artist Kay Yasugi. Kay shares how an unexpected library discovery sparked her puppetry journey and how mentors helped her along the way. From teaching at Liverpool Hospital School to creating puppet characters in live theatre performances, Kay reveals how puppetry can build confidence, encourage connection and bring laughter. She also offers advice for budding creators: have a go, embrace mistakes and enjoy the process. A warm and playful conversation about creativity, empathy and the power of puppets. Interested in Kay's work? Follow here work through the below links! Liverpool Hospital School Film Project blog — Kay teaches one day a week here, making puppet films with the students. Lately they are also starting a podcast!TAP (The Anxiety Project)/ Managing Miggy — puppet videos, songs and lessons about emotional regulation; created by Kay and Concord West Public SchoolUNIMA Australia — the official puppetry organisation of Australia (Kay volunteers as General Secretary).Pupperoos — Kay's puppet studio  Kay wishes to thank her mentors Mal Heap (who was Modigliana the Cat in The Ferals) and Caroline Astell-Burt from the London School of Puppetry.  The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

    [Ep30] Puppeteer, Kay Yasugi, on Creativity, Mentors and Becoming a Puppeteer!

  2. Sep 11

    [Ep29] World Champion Athlete, Jana Pittman on Resilience, Mentors and Commitment

    What does it mean to succeed – and how do we keep going when things don’t go to plan? In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Sophie and Maddie interview Jana Pittman, former world champion athlete and now a doctor. Jana reflects on her sporting journey, finding friendships and belonging, and the mentors who helped her see what was possible. Together, they explore overcoming fear, learning from setbacks and why giving your best matters more than where you finish. Jana also shares a simple habit students can practise every day: finish what you start. An inspiring conversation about courage, commitment and backing yourself to have a go. We joined Jana via video feed where she was presenting to an audience on leadership and resilience. The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

    [Ep29] World Champion Athlete, Jana Pittman on Resilience, Mentors and Commitment

  3. Sep 11

    [Ep28] Cirque du Soleil Acrobat, Nelson Smyles on Dreams, Resilience and Clowning Around

    In this episode of The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, Caleb and Harriet dive into the spectacular world of Cirque du Soleil through the eyes of talented acrobat Nelson Smiles. After years of perfecting his hoop diving craft, Nelson was discovered through his social media videos and now travels with the worlds largest contemporary circus producer. In this discussion, you'll hear about daily circus life, the thrill of performance, embracing mistakes and even some authentic advice for aspiring performers. We joined Nelson via video feed where he is currently performing in Toronto, Canada. The Kirrawee Public School Podcast, is a student-led podcast that discusses the big themes of being your best with people who have shown what it takes to succeed. We explore their journeys, challenges, failures, resilience, habits and the lessons they have learned along the way.

    [Ep28] Cirque du Soleil Acrobat, Nelson Smyles on Dreams, Resilience and Clowning Around

  4. Jun 22

    [Ep27] Authors, Kate and Jol Temple on Determination, Writing Strategies and Name Rights

    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, learn about the power of discipline, and be part of a 'rock-off', that may affect how you read Kate and Jol's books. Welcome to the show, Kate and Jol Temple!

    [Ep27] Authors, Kate and Jol Temple on Determination, Writing Strategies and Name Rights

  5. Jun 17

    [Ep26] Former Matilda, Teresa Polias on Empowering Girls, Resilience and Self Improvement

    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 in for a very authentic conversation from the team of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast!

    [Ep26] Former Matilda, Teresa Polias on Empowering Girls, Resilience and Self Improvement

  6. Jan 19

    [Ep25] Author, Nadia Wheatley on Place, Wonder and Our Ability to Change the Future

    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 the past. Her books have won major awards and continue to inspire students, teachers and writers all across Australia.Join Archie, Max and Sophie as we welcome Nadia to the Kirrawee Public School Podcast.

    [Ep25] Author, Nadia Wheatley on Place, Wonder and Our Ability to Change the Future

  7. Jan 17

    [Ep24] Author, Sue Whiting on Inspiration, Journaling and Publishing

    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 come from, who is part of the book publishing process and provides advice for young writers. So get comfortable, and let’s welcome our very special guest, Sue Whiting.

    [Ep24] Author, Sue Whiting on Inspiration, Journaling and Publishing

  8. 12/17/2025

    [Ep23] Author, Tim Harris on People Watching, Illustrators and Room Service

    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 ideas come from, the need to trust your illustrator and talk a bit about the publishing process. Settle in for another quality author episode and with more to come from the team of the Kirrawee Public School Podcast!

    [Ep23] Author, Tim Harris on People Watching, Illustrators and Room Service
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About

Welcome to our school's podcast series, where you’ll hear from our students, teachers and special guests. In this innovative project, our student-led episodes will focus on topics to enhance student learning and drive student engagement whilst developing our students' voices and creative expression through podcast creation. Our teacher-led episodes aim to support parents navigating their child's school journey. Kirrawee Public School is located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.

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