Call for democracy to start in the classroom
Education experts are calling for Australian schools to give students more hands-on experience with democracy from their earliest years.
Western Sydney University Associate Professor Jorge Knijnik said schools could nurture democratic values by involving students in real decisions and supporting teachers with media literacy programs.
‘Democracy is a way of life that must be renewed through education with each generation,’ he said.
University of South Australia associate professor Joel Windle said civics education should go beyond voting.
‘Citizenship is more than casting a ballot – it’s about knowing how to be heard and critically engaging with information.’
Catholic parishes in climate call ahead of election
Catholic churches in Adelaide’s Boothby electorate have joined a united interfaith call for stronger climate action, with banners now flying outside St Therese and Kingswood Catholic churches.
They are part of a broader national campaign led by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), which has seen more than 200 places of worship display banners urging bold action to address the climate crisis.
In total, six places of worship in Boothby and three in neighbouring Sturt – including Quaker, Muslim, Sikh, Anglican, Catholic and Uniting communities – have joined the initiative. Their banners call for ‘bold climate action by 2040 starting now’.
The Catholic participation comes as the global Church prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking 2015 encyclical on care for our common home. In Laudato si’, Pope Francis called on all people of goodwill to hear ‘both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’, urging action to address environmental degradation and climate injustice.
Experienced teachers at risk of leaving the profession
A study from Deakin University has highlighted that mid- and late-career teachers in Australia are at high risk of leaving the profession, with key factors including work-life conflict, lack of professional fulfilment, and emotional demands.
The research surveyed 744 primary and secondary teachers in government schools. Its findings, which focus on government school teachers, suggest that the Catholic education sector can learn valuable lessons in addressing teacher retention.
Experts say that improving work-life balance, providing more professional fulfilment, and fostering supportive work environments could help prevent the growing teacher shortage in both sectors.
Senior lecturer in education leadership at Deakin University, Dr Ben Arnold, noted that reasons for leaving are not solely linked to burnout.
‘It’s a complex issue involving career satisfaction, emotional demands, and work environment,’ he said.
New research highlights innovative supports for autistic Australians
Two new Australian studies are exploring creative and evidence-based ways to support the wellbeing of autistic people.
At La Trobe University, researchers have received federal government funding to investigate whether sensory vests can reduce anxiety in autistic children.
The two-year trial, led by Professor Alison Lane from La Trobe’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, will involve 140 children aged 8–12 in Melbourne and Perth. The vests, made by Australian company JettProof, provide constant sensory input and are already being used by families through NDIS funding.
A 2023 pilot suggested the vests may improve mood, sleep and self-regulation. The new study, starting recruitment in late 2025, aims to provide stronger evidence for families and clinicians.
Meanwhile, researchers at UNSW Sydney have completed a strengths-based project exploring how autistic adults support their own wellbeing using objects, services, animals and creative outlets. Led by Dr Megan Rose and Professor Deborah Lupton, the Autism Supports for Comfort, Care, and Connection study focused on 12 autistic Australians and their everyday strategies for managing burnout, sensory needs and connection.
Find out more.
Schools should embrace outdoor learning and nature play
Experts are urging parents and educators to embrace outdoor play for its lasting benefits on children’s social, emotional, and physical development.
Professor Tonia Gray of Western Sydney University highlights that ‘free play outdoors has long-lasting positive effects on cognitive function and wellbeing,’ while Dr Chris Speldewinde of Deakin University adds that nature play fosters resilience and STEM learning. ‘Children who are quiet indoors often “come out of their shell” in natural settings,’ he said.
Building on this momentum, Schools Tree Day on 25 July encourages educators to take learning outdoors. Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling says planting trees is a hands-on way to teach environmental awareness while supporting student well-being. Schools can register and access resources at treeday.planetark.org.
What’s on
Closing next week – 2025 Young Voices Awards: Open to secondary and senior primary students, with categories in articles, photography, and digital media. Theme: Voices of hope. Learn more here.
Busking For Change: Students learn a song, raise funds, and perform it for others. The 2025 song is ‘Country Tells Us When . . .’ and ILF provides all resources. Funds raised help remote communities access and create books in their first languages. Find out more.