The Stewart Lucy Podcast

Simon Le Plastrier is the headmaster of a school in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Simon was a teacher of mine throughout my high school education as well as a mentor in my years as a teacher.
For the past four years, Simon has helped to shape his own school into a unique haven of creativity and learning. Walking through the grounds on the way to record this podcast was enough to demonstrate the respect and admiration Simon has earned from his staff, students and wider school community. Simon is a walking example of a man who has an educational vision, and the charisma and drive to allow it to materialise.

I invited my best friend Sean Hiller to come in and chat about his experience in education so far. Sean and I met on our first day of university and have been buddies ever since. Sean teaches at a zoned government school in Victoria and is also the head of year twelve. Sean is particularly clued up on all things technology and has some interesting insights into how it can be used better in the classroom.

This episode covers topics including technology, generational change and culture in the classroom and we also dip our toes into the differences of government and private schooling.

Richard Tudor is a retired headmaster who has made (and continues to make) such an impact in his education career that he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to education and community. Rick was so popular as a Headmaster that he gained a cult-like following from the staff and students at his school. This episode takes us to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne where I speak to Rick about his love of science, botany and most importantly, education.

The first half of our talk Rick waxes lyrical about his love of the natural world, climate change and why Australian trees are the perfect fuel for a fast moving bushfire. We then move onto Rick’s ideas on progressive education, his concept of a student’s “growth curve” and the work he is now doing to help underprivileged students from remote communities in Australia.

Mark Lauber is a drama teacher from Melbourne, Australia. This podcast covers Mark’s ideas on how acting, drama and theatre can have profound effects on students, even the ones that don’t initially like the subject. I had a lot of fun talking drama, politics, philosphy and religion with Mark. Enjoy the journey.