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    The Future We Shape: Creating Connections: Where Trauma-Aware and Wellbeing Education Meet

    From PESA's 2025 National Education Conference: In this special live-recorded keynote episode, we bring together two of the leading voices in education and wellbeing: Professor Lea Waters (University of Melbourne, Centre for Wellbeing Science) and Dr Tom Brunzell (Berry Street Education Model).

    Author/ source: Professor Lea Waters AM, PhD; Dr Tom Brunzell; Discussion moderated by Emma Grave; episode produced by Kerrin Smith

    Last updated: 18/09/2025

    Listen now or watch below
    The Future We Shape: Creating Connections: Where Trauma-Aware and Wellbeing Education Meet

    Together, they explore the evolving relationship between positive education and trauma-informed practice, asking how schools can move beyond welfare models toward whole-school approaches that are both preventative and promotive. From the early days of positive psychology to today’s challenges of fatigue, regulation, and staff wellbeing, Lea and Tom share candid reflections, practical strategies, and fresh provocations.

    Expect insights into the strengths-based foundations of wellbeing education, the nuances of trauma-aware approaches, and the importance of adaptability, systems thinking, and staff care. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers encouragement to take small, powerful steps, the “one-percenters” that shape sustainable cultures of wellbeing in schools.

     

    Watch the Live Recording

    Filmed at the 2025 PESA National Wellbeing Education Conference

     

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