Research at all levels of education highlights the fact that flourishing relationships are at the core of effective teaching and learning, and thriving communities.

What does it mean, to be the “other?” If you and I are an “us”, it implies that everyone else is a “them”. When statements such as “we don’t have any of them here” or “they don’t think like us” are heard, bias – both conscious and unconscious – can creep in. Left unchecked, bias can be corrosive to children, families and teams…but what does that bias have to do with celebrations like Christmas?

Bryan McCormick is the Chief Executive Officer for Disability Employment Services provider Workways Australia. Workways Australia is part of CoAct’s national network of community-embedded not-for-profit service partners, and works daily with employers and job seekers living with mental health conditions.

In late September, while children and businesses were striking and marching, I spent the day in Moreton National Park near Bundanoon, NSW. It was Day One of a three-day nature meditation retreat.

The power of positive interactions in supporting children’s behavioural learning – A Phoenix Cups © Love Cup Filling Plan