Positive Schools

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 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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