Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown from Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne (education.unimelb.edu.au) joins host Steve Davis on Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast) for a practical, compassionate look at school avoidance. This audio episode explores why attendance challenges are rarely a simple choice, and how schools can respond with care, clarity, and data-informed action. As Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Lisa offers grounded strategies that teachers and leaders can apply straight away.
First, the conversation addresses common myths about “wagging” and explains the differences between avoidance, truancy, withdrawal, and exclusion. Then, we consider early warning signs. For example, small shifts like late arrivals, early departures, or missed periods can signal growing barriers. Consequently, routine checks of attendance patterns—especially in the 90–95% range—become essential. Moreover, listeners hear how data systems such as Xuno help staff spot patterns quickly and start supportive conversations with families.
Importantly, Lisa highlights neuro-affirming practice. Clear routines, predictable expectations, and strong adult connections help neurodivergent students; in fact, they benefit everyone. Furthermore, flexible regulation supports—like planned breaks or headphones for focus—can reduce anxiety and increase engagement. Yet schools cannot carry the load alone. Therefore, respectful partnerships with families and allied professionals are vital.
We also step into multi-tiered systems of support. Lisa explains how MTSS for attendance builds universal, targeted, and intensive responses over time. In addition, she reflects on international collaborations and OECD insights linking belonging, safety, and achievement. As a result, listeners gain a broader perspective on what works here in Australia and abroad.
Finally, the episode calls for national leadership. A coordinated plan would amplify local innovations, reduce duplication, and elevate voices that are often missed. Teachers, leaders, and system thinkers will find actionable ideas, thoughtful nuance, and renewed confidence to tackle attendance with empathy and evidence.
Powered by: xuno.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.