Our expert contributors
We recognise the following industry and subject matter specialists, parents and education professionals, who have shared their expertise and views, and in some cases contributed content to School A to Z.
Views expressed in interviews by non-department experts may not be the views of the NSW Department of Education and Communities.
- Dr Shirley Alexander, specialist in child obesity at The Children's Hospital at Westmead
[Managing your child's weight] - Angry Anderson, former frontman of rock band Rose Tattoo, Connect Hearing ambassador and father
[MP3 players and hearing loss] - Camilla Baker, professional chef and partner in the Sydney Cooking School
[View recipes from Camilla] - Lucinda Barlow, communication director, Google Australia
[Career planning for your child] - John Bell, founder of Bell Shakespeare
[Audio: Helping kids cope with Shakespeare] - Professor David Bennett, head, NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health and clinical professor, Paediatrics & Child Health, Children's Hospital, Westmead
[How to parent your tween] - Janelle Bloom, one of the original chefs on Ready Steady Cook and popular food writer
[View recipes from Janelle] - Associate Professor Janette Bobis, mathematics education, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
[Helping young kids feel good about maths]
[Top ways to prepare your child for high school maths] - Michelle Bridges, best known as the straight-talking trainer from The Biggest Loser
[Audio: Fitness for the whole family] - Professor Jim Bright, professorial fellow, careers education and development, Australian Catholic University
[Career planning for your child] - Michael Carr-Gregg, psychologist
[Helping your daughter say no to peer pressure] - Dr Mary Coupland, president, Mathematical Association of New South Wales
[Switching teenage girls onto maths] - Professor Donna Cross, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Edith Cowan University
[What the experts say about cyberbullying]
[The other side of bullying]
[When cyberbullying hits home] - Andrew Daddo, children's author
[Inspiring ways to build your child's imagination] - Professor Stephen Dinham, research director, Australian Council for Educational Research
[What does your child do at school] - Mohan Dhall, chief executive officer, Australian Tutoring Association
[Facts about tutors] - Craig Easdown, Centennial Park
[Using the park to keep active with your kids] - Manu Feildel, a popular chef on Ready Steady Cook and head chef at Bilson's
[View recipes from Manu] - Professor Tim Flannery, writer, scientist and explorer
[Audio: For the love of science] - Dr Richard Fletcher, senior lecturer, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle
[Dad's can do canteen duty, too] - Professor Peter Freebody, professorial research fellow, Sydney University
[Helping teens with reading] - Andrew Fuller, fellow, departments of psychiatry and learning and educational development, clinical psychologist, University of Melbourne, author
[Smart foods to boost learning]
[How to raise resilient kids] - Libby Gleeson, children's author
[What makes a good book for young kids] - Go for 2 and 5, a federal and state government health initiative to encourage Aussies to eat two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables every day
[View recipes from Go for 2 and 5] - Dr Rebecca Golley, children's nutrition specialist and co-author of the CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids
[When lunch comes home again] - Julie Goodwin, the original Masterchef and popular chef presenter
[Chicken noodle soup] - Andy Griffiths, one of Australia's most popular children's writers
[Disgusting ways to get boys to read]
[Motivating your child to read] - Michael Grose, parenting expert, author
[Does cartoon violence make kids more aggressive?] - ‘Fast' Ed Halmagyi, one of Australia's best-loved TV chefs and food authors
[View recipes from Ed] -
Dr Louise Hardy, NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney
[Motivating lazy children] - Healthy Kids School Canteen Association (SCA), a not-for-profit, non-government, health promotion organisation based in Sydney
[View recipes from the Healthy Kids School Canteen Association] - Anne Hollonds, CEO, The Benevolent Society
[Kids, homework and lies] -
Associate Professor Jennifer Hudson, department of psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University
[Computers in the bedroom] - Heather Irvine-Rundle, clinical psychologist
[When your teen's new best friend is a bad influence] - Dr Melissa Kang, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney and a specialist in adolescent health
[Talking to your child about sex] - Damien King, qualified chef and head teacher of home economics and languages at Greystanes High School
[View recipes from Damien] - Karen Kingham, consultant dietitian and author
[Power foods for kids] - Associate Professor Michael Kohn, specialist in adolescent medicine at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. He is also a clinical associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Sydney University [Audio: Boys and body image]
- Dr Ian Lillico, author, boys education expert
[Teen boys and learning] - Dr Simon Longstaff, a philosopher whose focus is in the field of ethics
[Audio: Helping your child choose right from wrong] - Associate Professor Kaye Lowe, literacy, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra
[When older kids struggle with reading] - Shannon Lush, fine arts restorer and well-known household author
[Audio: Organising the home for a smooth school run] - Dr Richard Letts, executive director, Music Council of Australia
[Good reasons why your child should study music] - Hilda Makhoul, a rehabilitation counsellor
[Avoiding injuries from school bags and computers] - Associate Professor Karen Malone, Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong
[Getting into nature] - Manly Environment Centre, enables and encourages broad community involvement and goodwill in protecting Manly's unique environment.
[View recipes from the Manly Environment Centre] - Professor Andrew Martin, research fellow, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
[Ten tips to help boys succeed at school] - Senior Constable Susan McLean, Victorian police officer and cyber safety consultant
[Computers in the bedroom] - Alastair McLeod, a regular on Network Ten's Ready Steady Cook, 9am with David & Kim, and executive chef at Bretts Wharf in Brisbane.
[View recipes from Alastair] - Dr Joanna McMillan is a registered nutritionist and dietitian
[Lunch box recipe reviews] - Dannielle Miller, author and educator
[Helping your daughter say no to peer pressure] - Dr Brian Morton, NSW president, Australian Medical Association
[MP3 Players and hearing loss] - Dr Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University
[How friendships boost your child's learning] - Luke Nguyen, chef and owner of Red Lantern, Luke's TV work includes Food Safari , Heat in the Kitchen, and Luke Nguyen's Vietnam
[View recipes from Luke] - Alan Noble, engineering director, Google
Maths is the answer to many cool jobs - Kimberley O'Brien, developmental psychologist, Quirky Kid Clinic
[How to parent your tween] - Matt O'Neill, nutritionist
[Managing your child's weight] - Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli, lecturer at the School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University
[Ten tips to help girls succeed at school] - Dr Louise Porter, child psychologist and author
[Is your child gifted?] - Jane Roberts, president, Australian Council on Children and the Media
[Does cartoon violence make kids more aggressive?] - Danni Rowlands, education manager for The Butterfly Foundation [Audio:Body image and girls]
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit offers some quick, fresh and tasty lunch box treats for children with common food allergies and intolerances
[View recipes from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit] - Professor Matt Sanders, a professor of clinical psychology and director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland
[Audio: Strategies for positive parenting] - Bernard Salt, author and social commentator
[Career planning for your child] - Adam Spencer, author, radio presenter and first class honours degree holder in pure mathematics
[Audio: The sum of us] - Camille Thomson, Australian Institute of Policy & Science
[Why science is important in young kids' lives] - Kathy Walker, author and education consultant
[Benefits of under scheduling your child] - Associate Professor Richard Walker, educational psychology teacher, University of Sydney
[Learning's X factor] - Dr Jeff Walkley, exercise sciences, RMIT University
[Motivating lazy children] - Nadia Wheatley, children's author
[Smart tips for writers: explore your place]
- Dr David Wilson, associate professor and head of surveillance and evaluation, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of NSW
[Maths is the answer to many cool jobs] - Tom Wood, teen blogger and social media consultant
[Cyber good or cyber bad – a teen perspective] - Dr Wayne Warburton, department of psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University
[Does cartoon violence make kids more aggressive?]
Department of Education and Communities professionals
- Charlotte Allen, teacher, Byron Bay High School
[Preparing for high school] -
Leanne Batho, teacher, Werris Creek Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Is my child ready to start school?] - Allan Booth, curriculum
[Getting into nature] - Mark Butler, head science teacher, Gosford High School
[Helping your teenager succeed in science] - Margaret Bradley, curriculum
[Good reasons why your child should study music] - Katherine Bricknell, head teacher, teaching and learning, Tamworth HIgh School [Video: Preparing for the HSC]
- Patricia Campbell, teacher, Yenda Public School
[Developing resilience in your child] - Stephen Cavanagh, head teacher technology applied studies, East Hills Boys High School
[Knowing your child's teacher] - Sara Chambers, teacher, Hillvue Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Learning to read]
[Helping your child with primary school maths] - Rosie Charles, teacher
[What makes a good book for young kids] - Sue-Ellen Chilvers, teacher, Yenda Public School
[Helping your child with primary school maths] -
Michael Clark, teacher, Werris Creek Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Learning to read] - Jacqueline Copeland, defence transition aide, North Nowra Public School
[Smoothing the way when your child changes schools] -
Shirley Croft, teacher, Murwillumbah Public School
[About bullying] - Brad Davis, principal, Crystal Creek Public School
[About bullying]
[Developing resilience in your child] - Hayley Dibley, teacher, Northern Beaches Secondary College - Balgowlah Boys campus
[About bullying]
[Preparing for high school] -
Louise Dunn, teacher, Crystal Creek Public School
[Learning to read] -
Robyn Edwards, principal, Murwillumbah Public School
[Developing resilience in your child] - Jenny Ekanayake, physical education teacher
[Ten ideas to get your kids active at home or indoors]
[Ten ideas to get your kids active outdoors] - Sarah Ellery, teacher, Cromer Public School
[About bullying]
[Developing resilience in your child] - Thea Eyles, early childhood
[Homework for little kids] - Jann Farmer-Hailey, early learning
[Helping kindy kids succeed at school] - Timothy Gamble, teacher, Murwillumbah Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Preparing for high school] -
Jane Goddard, teacher, Northern Beaches Secondary College – Mackellar Girls campus
[Writing essays]
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Helping your child with high school maths] - Ruth Goldstein, Kindergarten teacher, Bundanoon Public School
[Helping kindy kids succeed at school] - Dr Peter Gould, maths
[Maths is the answer to many cool jobs] - Jeff Guider, teacher, Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
[About bullying] - David Haggart, head teacher, PDHPE, South Sydney High School
[Benefits of team sports] - Katherine Haratsis, multicultural programs unit
[Reading to your child in your home language] - Amanda Harris, deputy principal, Northern Beaches Secondary College -Mackellar Girls campus
[Preparing for high school] - Steve Harper, teacher, Oxley High School
[Helping your child with primary school maths]
[Helping your child with high school maths]
[Preparing for high school] - Kylie Hill, teacher, Wade High School
[Helping your child with primary school maths]
[Helping your child with high school maths] - Sally Hogan, principal
[Nurturing the artist in your child] - Ian James, teacher, Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys campus
[Writing essays] - Nagla Jebeile, head maths teacher at Sydney's Moorefield Girls High School
[Switching teenage girls onto maths] - Merrilyn Jenkins, principal, Penshurst West Public School
[Public speaking in primary school] - Alix Johnson, teacher, Byron Bay High School
[Writing essays] - Peter King, principal, Byron Bay High School
[About bullying] -
Simone King, teacher, Murwillumbah Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework] - Julie Kirk, assistant principal, Westdale Public School
[Developing resilience in your child]
[Preparing for high school] - Lynnette Lack, teacher, Murwillumbah Public School
[Learning to read] - Laurinda Lomas, assistant principal, Newport Public School
[Helping your child with primary school maths] - Hayley Macdonald, literacy consultant
[When older kids struggle with reading] - Dianne Marshall, Digital Education Revolution
[Raising good digital citizens] - Jennifer Marshall, teacher, Oatlands Public School
[Knowing your child's teacher] - Irem Mooney, teacher, Oxley High School
[Developing resilience in your child] - Ross Morrison, sports
[Benefits of team sports] - Michael Murray, English
[A crash course in poetry appreciation for your high schooler] - Ken Olah, curriculum
[Homework for little kids] - Sarah Overeem, teacher, Westdale Public School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Preparing for high school] - Anna Parella, assistant principal, Greenwich Public School
[Is my child ready to start school?] - Lynne Rabone, assistant principal, Neutral Bay Public School
[Learning to read] - Melinda Serafin, teacher, Yenda Public School
[Learning to read] - Amanda Schofield, teacher, Byron Bay High School
[Helping your primary school child with homework]
[Helping your child with high school maths]
[Preparing for high school] -
Kerrie Shaw, teacher, Westdale Public School
[Helping your child with primary school maths]
[Is my child ready to start school?] - Michelle Slee, teacher, Southern Cross Central School
[Helping your primary school child with homework] - Ken Squires, teacher
[Why science is important in young kids' lives] - Narelle Stokes, teacher, Colyton Public School
[Preparing for high school] - Bobbie-Sue Smyth, teacher, Tamworth South Public School
[Developing resilience in your child] - Josh Stevens, teacher, Crystal Creek Public School
[Helping your child with primary school maths] - Nick Tester, teacher
[Helping your child to become a musician] - Hayley Thomas, English teacher, Kandos High School
[When older kids struggle with reading] -
Lisa Tonkin, teacher, Southern Cross School
[Writing essays] - Paul Tracey, high school principal
[Ten tips to help boys succeed at school] - Susan Turnbull, teacher, Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls campus
[Helping your child with primary school maths]
[Helping your child with high school maths] - Debra van Aanholt, teacher, Tamworth South Public School
[Learning to read]
[Is my child ready to start school?] - Elizabeth Vincent, assistant principal, Asquith Public School
[When lunch comes home again]
[Helping your child with primary school maths]
[Is my child ready to start school?] - Tina White, assistant principal, Hillvue Public School
[About bullying] - Jenni Wilkins, high school principal
[Ten tips to help girls succeed at school] - Jeff Willey, teacher
[Best ways for your teen to practise their music] - Michael Windred, principal, Werris Creek Public School
[Is my child ready to start school?]
[Developing resilience in your child] -
Lynne Windsor, teacher, Werris Creek Public School
[Learning to read]
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