Inspirededucation

Inspirededucation Curriculum differentiation is the key for successful learning for all students, in all classes.

Di is a passionate educator with experience across a wide range of educational settings. She is an advocate for differentiating programs for neuro-diverse students and gifted learners. She was the Senior Curriculum Adviser for the Gifted and Talented Unit for the NSW Department of Education and Training and ran professional learning workshops, conducted online professional learning programs for K-

13 teachers across NSW to support for schools, teachers, parents and students for implementing the NSW Gifted and Talented Policy. Prior to going to Head Office, she was the Coordinator of the Ku-ring-gai Gifted and Talented Unit, a Designated Centre of Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education at St Ives North Public School. She was an educational adviser in the development of the “Goodness and Kindness” program trialled at St Ives North Public School and went on to become a national program called “Together for Humanity”. She has been a Deputy at a large schools of 1,000 students and responsible for Student Welfare, Learning Support, Curriculum Programming and Professional Learning. She has been a guest lecturer at University of NSW, University of Sydney and Macquarie University. Di received the university Medal from University of South Australia and has received state and national recognition for excellence in teaching pedagogy, curriculum differentiation and curriculum development. She coordinated the educational and welfare program in a South East Asian Refugee Camp for over 2,000 refugees. Since retiring she has started a private consultancy advising schools, teacher and parents about the identification of gifted and neuro-diverse students with a focus on how best to support their differing educational, social and emotional needs. For more than a decade she has been an active member on the Board of her local Rotary International club and an Educational Adviser Board to the Henry Parkes Foundation.

05/09/2026

Disposable paper cups, commonly used for hot beverages, feature a thin plastic lining, typically polyethylene, to prevent leakage and maintain structural integrity.

When filled with hot liquid around 85 to 90 degrees Celsius, this lining degrades rapidly.

Within just 15 minutes, the heat causes the plastic film to break down, releasing approximately 25,000 micron-sized microplastic particles into a standard 100-milliliter serving.

Far more numerous sub-micron particles are also liberated, along with various ions including fluoride, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate.

Toxic heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and cadmium present in the lining material can migrate into the drink as well.

These contaminants enter the beverage through physical and chemical deterioration of the hydrophobic film under thermal stress. Room-temperature liquids do not produce the same effect, confirming that heat is the primary driver.

Regular consumers who drink several cups of tea or coffee daily may therefore ingest tens of thousands of these invisible particles along with associated chemicals.

While the long-term health consequences of chronic low-level exposure remain under investigation, the particles and leachates raise concerns about potential accumulation and biological interactions in the body.

Switching to reusable alternatives made of stainless steel, ceramic, or glass eliminates this pathway of contamination entirely.

Source: Ranjan, V. P., Joseph, A., & Goel, S. Microplastics and other harmful substances released from disposable paper cups into hot water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 404, 124118.

26/08/2026

We ALL need this …

26/08/2026

How would you do it?

26/08/2026

A new way of thinking … for some it works

Address

168 Warrimoo Avenue
St Ives Chase, NSW
2075

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Inspirededucation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category