And I know what you might be thinking:
“Who is this? Why are they emailing me? Another thing to do. I don’t have time to read yet another message. I’m already juggling the curriculum, lesson planning, assessments, reporting, parent meetings, staff meetings, wellbeing issues, violence, bullying, disruptive behaviour, and the emotional toll of it all.“
Trust me, I get it. The pressure you’re under is overwhelming, and I truly understand the demands of your role. But here’s why I’m reaching out—because I believe that together, we can make a real difference.
A passion for change
From Grade 2, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had an amazing teacher, and I remember thinking- I want to be just like Miss E. I played schools at home with my dolls, I became a junior Sunday School teacher, GFS leader, babysitter, and through university I volunteered with Challenge supporting kids with cancer.
If I could be involved with kids, I was! My heart was set on teaching children, shaping their futures, and making a real difference in their lives.
And a teacher I became. For over 10 years, before I went on leave and had my own children, I had the privilege of teaching. It was during this time that I truly began to understand the challenges children face.
I witnessed bullying and emotional struggles daily – kids overwhelmed by big emotions, fighting, lashing out, and struggling to manage social interactions.
I observed the impact of difficult home lives, learning struggles, and emotional turbulence. Many students came to school carrying the weight of trauma from their home environments and for some, school was the only safe place they had.
These weren’t just phases; they were real and painful struggles that affected their ability to learn and grow. It was heartbreaking because I knew how much potential these children had, if only they had the needed support to manage their emotions and heal from the trauma they were carrying.
A personal perspective
But my journey isn’t just professional; it’s personal. I’m also a mother to five children -three of whom are in secondary school, and two who are adults.
Every day, my kids come home from school with stories that break my heart and make me angry: bullying, fights, weapons being brought in, classrooms on lockdown, police called, teachers being threatened.
Some are their stories; some are stories they hear on social media. I’ve even heard about “fight clubs” being organised, where kids meet up and settle scores physically, then post the fights online.
These are not isolated incidents—they’re becoming part of the daily conversation for young people. It’s an alarming reality, that I don’t just hear at home but from teachers across the country as well.
Every week, I speak with educators facing violence in their schools/classrooms, dealing with parents lashing out, and being assaulted by the very people they are trying to teach.
A 2024 survey found that close to half of Australian school principals have reported experiencing or witnessing physical violence on the job, including threats from parents and incidents involving weapons. Additionally, research indicates that physical violence towards school leaders and teachers has increased by 76.5% since 2011.
Educators are under constant pressure to manage escalating problematic behaviours and maintain a safe learning environment, while balancing the demands of the curriculum, parent expectations, and their own wellbeing.
It’s not just physical violence—emotional and verbal abuse are common too. This is the reality in schools today, and it needs to change. The emotional toll it takes on educators, students and families cannot be ignored any longer.
I’ve seen first hand how tough it can get
As a young teacher during a house sports day, a parent threw a punch at me—a punch I managed to duck. What happened next? I kept on teaching, focusing on the kids, because that’s what mattered most. But it didn’t stop there.
Over the years, I’ve been threatened by parents, sworn at by students, and even had my professionalism questioned by the very system I devoted myself to.
There was a time when I was interviewed by the Education Department after a student accused me of picking them up and swinging them around the room. I was devastated.
After all the interviews and thorough investigations, the student finally admitted that they had made it all up. Why? Because it was funny.
Empathy for teachers
Teachers, I see you. I know how hard you are working.
You are under immense pressure, navigating a challenging environment day in and day out. Your resilience, dedication, and commitment to shaping young lives are inspiring.
I understand the emotional and physical toll it can take, and I stand with you in your efforts to create safer, more supportive classrooms.
Holding my children to account and becoming their fierce advocate
As a parent, I believe in holding my children accountable for their actions and ensuring they own the choices they make. It’s one of the most important lessons I try to teach them—take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes, and strive to be better, do better.
But that doesn’t mean I won’t be a fierce advocate for them. When necessary, I become “that parent” (you know the one I am talking about teachers!!) When it comes to my children, I will go to bat for them every time and do what it takes to make sure they are supported.
But I also believe that advocacy and accountability go hand in hand. Advocacy isn’t just about protecting my children but also guiding them through tough situations and challenging their behaviours and choices – helping them grow into responsible, respectful adults.
I hope I have been a model for them – holding them to high standards while loving and supporting them fiercely and unconditionally.
Joining the Foundation
In 2022, I joined the Pat Cronin Foundation as the Education Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in education, local government, and running my own education business.
At first, when I saw the job listing, I thought, “I can do that.” But as I read through the Foundation’s website and learnt more about its mission, something inside me clicked: “I want to do that.”
My heart was stirred, and I knew this was an opportunity to contribute to making a real difference.
My role allows me to work closely with schools across Australia, building relationships with educators and the community to spread the Foundation’s message.
Our mission is clear: Be Wise. Think Carefully. Act Kindly.
We raise awareness of the dangers of social violence, and help individuals develop the emotional intelligence they need to manage their emotions and resolve conflict non-violently. I understand the urgency of the work we do. The need for change has never been more critical.
This work matters
The work we’re doing at the Foundation is about much more than just presentations and programs. It’s about ending social violence and creating safer communities.
The stories I hear from my own children, teachers, and students all tell me the same thing: the situation is getting worse.
For me, this work is personal. As a teacher, a mother, and an advocate, I want a better world for my children, for all children. I want them to grow up in a world where respect and kindness are the basis of everything we do.
A world where we can all thrive, where schools and communities are safe spaces, and where social violence doesn’t exist. A world where I don’t have to worry every time my children, or I leave the house. A world where teachers feel empowered, supported, and safe doing what they love -teaching and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
I know this is a big ask, but I cannot settle for less. I’m committed to making that world a reality, and I will continue working tirelessly until we get there.
Looking ahead
As Education Manager at the Pat Cronin Foundation, I work daily with an incredible team to bring that future closer. We’re committed to creating safer communities for all, free from social violence, where everyone can thrive.
I work with schools to implement programs that teach emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and respect. I collaborate with sporting groups to promote positive behaviours, teamwork, and respect both on and off the field.
I work with community organisations to create supportive environments that encourage a strong connection between schools, families, and local communities. Together, we are building a network of support that empowers young people, educators, parents, and community members to be part of the solution.
These are the life skills that matter – they’re the skills that make the difference in how we navigate relationships and face challenges. We’re building a community where everyone understands the dangers of social violence, can handle conflict non-violently and respects one another.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but I’m more determined than ever to be part of the solution. Together, I believe we can make a difference – for our children, our families, our schools and communities, and for the future we want to create.
Nadine Foster
Education Manager, Pat Cronin Foundation
