Positive Schools

"Small things. The hum of the aircon. The flicker of the lights. Context shapes behaviour. And context is something teachers can actually change." Dr Kristyn Sommer, 2026

2026 BEHAVING WELL

A very BIG and warm welcome to Kristyn Sommer. Feeling extremely lucky to have Kristyn on board for this years Positive Schools conferences!

Dr Kristyn Sommer is a Jacobs Foundation Research Fellow and co-founder of Many Minds Institute, whose work asks a deceptively simple question: how do people actually learn? Her research spans children's social and observational learning, engagement with emerging technologies, and the adaptations that make support genuinely effective for neurodivergent people. Drawing on both her science and her own neurodivergent identity, Kristyn translates evidence into practical insight for educators, reframing difference as something to design with, not around.
Kristyn's Positive Schools 2026 Keynote:

When an autistic student stares out the window, rocks in their chair, or refuses to make eye contact, it is easy to read disengagement. But what if the science tells a different story? In this keynote, Dr Kristyn Sommer, Jacobs Foundation Research Fellow and autistic researcher, draws on her own work and lived experience to show that autistic behaviour is not the absence of engagement but a different expression of it. With practical, evidence-based strategies, Kristyn helps teachers see the small contextual shifts, a light adjusted here, a seating option there, that can transform a student's experience of the classroom. You will leave with a new lens for reading your students and the confidence that inclusive education is less about doing more, and more about seeing differently.

Join Kristyn and over 30 other amazing presenters for the Positive Schools 2026 conference series - "BEHAVING WELL

www.Positiveschools.com.au

WWW.POSITIVESCHOOLS.COM

.justin.roberts Dr Kristyn Sommer

Dear Positive Schools Community,

We are absolutely delighted—and feel incredibly privileged—to announce that Indira Naidoo will be the host for Main Day Two of this year's Positive Schools 2026 Conference series 'Behaving Well'

PositiveSchools.com.au

Award-winning journalist Indira Naidoo will be bringing her warmth, insight, and wealth of experience to the conference stage.
Indira is one of Australia’s most respected and influential broadcasters and authors. Across an exceptional 35-year career, she has anchored and reported for some of the nation’s most distinguished public affairs programs, including SBS World News, ABC Radio’s Weekend Nightlife, and Compass on ABC TV.

Her career has seen her interview world leaders and global changemakers. She has moderated live stadium events for former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, secured an exclusive interview with Nobel Peace Prize laureate José Ramos-Horta in East Timor, and conducted a deeply moving television interview with Professor Stan Grant—featured as an ABCTV entrant in the prestigious Walkley Awards.

Beyond journalism, Indira is a passionate advocate for climate action and sustainable living. Trained as a climate change presenter by former US Vice-President Al Gore, she continues to inspire audiences through her work in environmental and food sustainability. She is also the author of several best-selling books, including her latest, The Space Between the Stars, which was shortlisted for the 2023 ABIA Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

We are excited to have Indira guiding us through Day Two of the conference.

Please join us in giving her a very warm Positive Schools welcome.

Its now March and we are gearing up for a MASSIVE series of events. BEHAVING WELL (Bullying, Behaviour and Best Practice)

Today we would like to welcome Steve Roberts . Steve will be presenting on the following..

Positive Schools 2026
KEYNOTE

Title: Manosphere-aggravated Misogyny in Australia's schools (and thoughts on what to do about)

Professor Steven Roberts

About Steve

Steven Roberts is Professor of Sociology at Monash University and an internationally recognised scholar of masculinity, youth, and digital culture. He has authored and edited multiple books on men and masculinities and published widely in leading academic journals. Steven’s recent work on the manosphere and misogyny in schools has informed national media debate and policy discussions on gendered harms in education. He is Associate Editor of Journal of Youth Studies and a Board Director at Respect Victoria, the Victorian statutory state authority dedicated to the primary prevention of family violence and violence against women.

BRISBANE BCEC (Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre)
- Main Days: 26 & 27 Oct plus post-conference 28 Oct

SYDNEY - Rydges World Square Hotel - Pre-conference 4 Nov, Main Days: 5 & 6 Nov

FREMANTLE, WA - Rydges Esplanade Hotel - Pre-conference 18 Nov plus Main Days: 19 & 20 Nov

.justin.roberts


WWW.POSITIVESCHOOLS.COM.AU

A MASSIVE welcome to Dr Sue Roffey to Positive Schools 2026! Sue is coming all the way from the United Kingdom for the Positive Schools 2026 conference series.

How EXCITING!

MAIN DAY ONE - KEYNOTE

Aspiring to Positive Behaviour

Dr Sue Roffey

Children have an innate curiosity about the world – surely the role of education is to capture, maintain and grow that love of learning.

In 2025 the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education published An Inquiry into the Loss of Love of Learning. In this they cited all the associated problems, including poor attendance, disengaged students, rising behaviour difficulties and teacher attrition. But good practice does exist, so this talk is about ten primary schools that are really engaging ALL children and where both teachers and learners can’t wait to get to school every day. What are the vision and values that underpin what these schools are doing every day, how does this align with the ASPIRE principles of Agency, Safety, Positivity, Inclusion, Respect and Equity and what difference is this making to learning, behaviour, attendance and academic outcomes? And how might all schools replicate this so every child loves learning?

BRISBANE BCEC (Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre)
- Main Days: 26 & 27 Oct plus post-conference 28 Oct
SYDNEY - Rydges World Square Hotel - Pre-conference 4 Nov, Main Days: 5 & 6 Nov
FREMANTLE, WA - Rydges Esplanade Hotel - Pre-conference 18 Nov plus Main Days: 19 & 20 Nov

More news coming soon. More presenters, more unique opportunities for educators to better plan their policy for both bullying prevention and management.

Early bird is live!

www.PositiveSchools.com.au

SAVE THE DATE..

BRISBANE BCEC (Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre)

- Main Days: Oct 26th & 27st plus Post-conference Oct 28th

SYDNEY - Rydges World Square Hotel - Pre-conference 4th Nov, Main Days: Nov 5th & 6th

FREMANTLE Rydges Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA - Pre-conference Nov 18th plus Main Days: Nov 19th & 20th Nov.

Positive Schools 2025 is taking place in October through to November.

We welcome Samantha Heron in two states.

Main Day One – Workshop – Stream TWO

Rewriting the Story of Connection: Intergenerational Connection as a Pathway to Contextual Wellbeing

Samantha Heron

Heart & Soul Story

(QLD & NSW)

Award-winning intergenerational practitioner Samantha Heron shares how school-based programs can meaningfully connect teens and older adults to nurture empathy, purpose, and contextual wellbeing.

Drawing on her psychology background and the success of the Seniors & Teens Empathy Program, Samantha outlines how educators can design and facilitate simple but powerful intergenerational touchpoints.

The session explores how these experiences can improve youth mental health, shift perspectives on ageing, and embed relational learning in everyday school life. Participants will walk away with ideas, frameworks, and inspiring real-life stories to help build bridges across generations, right from their school gates.

About Samantha

Samantha Heron is the Founder of Heart & Soul Story and a national leader in intergenerational practice, designing programs that strengthen contextual wellbeing through connection across age, culture, and community.

She is the designer of the 2024 Young Program of the Year award-winning Seniors & Teens Empathy Program, which fosters mutual understanding and belonging. With a degrees in Psychology and Social Impact and experience across education, aged care, and youth mental health, Samantha helps organisations build age-inclusive, empathy-rich environments.

She also contributes to Good Flock — a movement re-centering Elders, honouring wisdom alongside youth, and strengthening community wellbeing through intergenerational connection.

Positive Schools 2025 is taking place in October through to November.We welcome Michael Carr-Gregg to the stage in three states.

AI in Schools - Friend or Foe

Child and Adolescent

Psychologist

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—from homework helpers to chatbot counsellors—leaving educators to wonder: is AI a classroom friend or a digital foe? This keynote explores the double-edged sword of AI in schools, uncovering its power to personalise learning, spark creativity, and ease teacher workload, while keeping a sharp eye on pitfalls like bias, privacy, and digital distraction.

With stories, a dash of humour, and practical insights, we’ll cut through hype to uncover how we can make AI an ally for well-being and achievement—not a classroom robot with a mind of its own. Let’s future-proof our schools with wisdom, not just gadgets.

About Michael

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s leading adolescent and child

psychologists working in private practice in Melbourne and Brisbane. A highly sought-after speaker, author, and media commentator, he is renowned for making complex psychological concepts accessible, engaging, and practical. Michael has worked extensively in schools, corporate settings, and the media to promote youth mental health, resilience, and wellbeing. He is the author of numerous best-selling books on parenting and adolescent issues and is a regular voice on television, radio, and print. With warmth, wit, and evidence-based insights, Michael equips parents, educators, and young people with tools to navigate life’s challenges and hrive in a changing world.

Positive Schools 2025 is taking place in October through to November.

We welcome Smeeta Singh to the stage in three states.

Connection and Regulation in Classroom relationships

Supporting Carers to Hold ‘Brave Conversations’ around Sexual Health and Safety

The MacKillop Institute (ALL states)

One in four children in Australia experience sexual abuse, and for girls it is one in three (ACMS, 2023). Yet one in four adults (28%) report feeling “not at all confident” to talk with a child about sexual safety (NCACSA, 2024). Schools are uniquely placed to lead change by creating opportunities for Brave Conversations. This presentation introduces Power to Kids, an evidence-informed and University of Melbourne evaluated program. It demonstrates how engaging parents/carers, students, and school staff in a whole-of-community approach safeguards children and builds a contextualised, trauma-informed safety net that strengthens protection for young people.

About Smeeta

With an MA in Education Policy, Smeeta Singh is passionate about social justice in education and the impact of intergenerational outcomes on student transitions, engagement and achievement. Nearing 20 years in the education sector, Smeeta has worked across a variety of roles that focus on empowering young people through education, including school improvement, teacher training and child wellbeing. Through senior leadership roles in the community and government sector, Smeeta has led the rollout of trauma-informed practice and systems-based change across schools, family violence and community services sectors. As National Program Director for Power to Kids, Smeeta is committed to strengthening prevention and responses to child sexual abuse. She is an avid advocate for safeguarding and empowering young people experiencing the highest levels of risk, complexity, and vulnerability.

Positive Schools 2025 is taking place in October through to November.

We welcome Katy Moore to Positive Schools 2025

Undertaking a Wellbeing Review & Building Whole-School Wellbeing
Methodist Ladies College, Perth
(WA-ONLY)

This session will focus on how MLC Claremont, in partnership with Dr Helen Street, developed and implemented a wellbeing framework that was authentic and contextually appropriate to our school community.

The session will assist educators in learning how to review and audit current and historical wellbeing practices and programs, understand the future needs of their students and successfully navigate positive change in their school’s wellbeing space; with a particular focus on ensuring girls are empowered to thrive in their learning environment.

The workshop will be based upon MLC most recent experience of developing and living this journey and best practice research.

About Katy

Katy Moore, Deputy Principal Years 7-12 has been leading the Senior Years at MLC since 2022. Previously, Katy worked in a variety of leadership roles and taught at independent schools in Perth and in Melbourne.

She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education (Leadership and Management). Passionate about building relationships, she values the inclusive culture at MLC and enjoys supporting students and teachers to help them succeed.

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Positive Schools 2025 is taking place in October through to November.

We welcome Dr Louise Mansell to the stage in three states.

Connection and Regulation in Classroom relationships

Tedology; Mini Minds Child and Adolescent Health

This session explores how educators and those working with children and young people can integrate specific therapeutic principles into daily interactions to foster connection, engagement, and emotional regulation.

Using the principles of Theraplay, PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), and trauma-informed approaches, Louise will share practical, easy-to-implement strategies grounded in her knowledge and experience working with children in schools. Educators will leave equipped with an understanding of how to easily build stronger relationships and support students’ emotional well-being through everyday interactions.

About Louise

Dr. Louise Mansell is a clinical child psychologist, author of Brian the Brain, and founder of Tedology —an innovative emotional support teddy bear. Before moving to Perth with her husband and young sons, she co-founded a UK social enterprise supporting trauma-informed education, worked directly with children and families, and supported community programs.

She also developed and published an online staff well-being program, 4D Dealing With Distress which is now used worldwide. Louise currently supporting children and families at Mini Minds in Perth while researching and building Tedology. Her work reflects her creative and innovative dedication to making emotional well-being grounded in science yet accessible and engaging, to ensure it reaches as many children as possible.

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