Building Connection at Recess: How Canberra Schools Are Changing School Culture

Stephe sits down with Georgie MacDiarmid (Canberra Grammar), Mark Nicholson (Torrens Primary), and Mark Robson (Forrest Primary) — the teachers behind Recess for Resilience in Canberra. They unpack how a simple walk at recess is transforming school culture, building emotional language in kids, and supporting teacher wellbeing too. From student captains to a selectively mute student finding her voice, this episode is full of real stories about what happens when connection becomes a priority.Timestamps:00:00 — Welcome & Introductions01:24 — What is Recess for Resilience?02:32 — How it looks at Torrens & Forest Primary05:16 — Four Canberra schools now running the program05:51 — Key lessons learned (keeping it simple & optional)09:15 — Check-in tools: rose/thorn/banana, 1–5 scale & emotional language13:44 — Introducing student captains16:33 — A selectively mute student finds her voice22:12 — What are the non-negotiable core elements?26:36 — Why teachers benefit too: "taking off the coat"31:26 — Student stories & feedback36:44 — Parent responses40:16 — If every Canberra school did this... a vision for 10 years44:09 — How to get Recess for Resilience started at your schoolRecess for Resilience: https://www.runningforresilience.com/recess-for-resiliencePrevious Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmg6CZEWPgAIf this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust. In Australia, you can:Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au