A little bit about my road trip tale. Last weekend, beneath vast expanse of an ashen dawn, we embarked on a journey, four hours long, me between two mates and two hounds, tales of yarn spun and exchanged. Laughter and empathy shared, echoing with joy, sorrow - perhaps more like annoyance, and sweet reverie. And in rare moments of silence, we (or maybe just me) ponder and reflect on these anecdotal sagas, as I wildly scribe in my journal, whatever my little eye spy out the window—as cues for this post. Shaky lines crawl and roll on the page as you can see, these and the post below were my extended thoughts.
Learning and Teaching, at its core, is more than the transmission of knowledge—it is the cultivation of wisdom, the nurturing of empathy, and the shaping of individuals who think critically and act with integrity. Often, this process isn’t always deliberate—it can arise from an innate, almost intuitive, desire to grow both as individuals and as part of a larger community. As a creative practitioner and a human deeply connected to the world, I see learning not as a rigid, institutionalised structure but as a fluid and communal experience. Rooted in fundamental values such as the intrinsic worth of each person, the recognition of wisdom in all beings, the pursuit of simplicity, and the commitment to peace and integrity, I believe education is a shared journey of mutual growth, trust, and transformation.
Beyond Institutionalised Learning [...] There is a well-known adage: It takes a village to raise a child. But we could extend this—It takes a community, a world of shared wisdom, to cultivate a compassionate and globally minded individual. Education is not limited to classrooms, syllabi, or standardised assessments. Instead, it thrives in mentorship, storytelling, and the nuanced understanding that we are always both students and teachers in life. And the people we did not know we were going to cross paths with in our lifetime!
For instance, recently, I got to know a young person who shared a story about his eccentric principal, a man who employed unconventional yet action-based motivational techniques to activate and engage his students in outdoor exploration and adventure. Sadly, this remarkable principal has since passed. One anecdote that stood out was about his magic cap. Mr. Principal had a tradition—he would take off his cap and throw it into the air. Whichever direction the cap pointed when it landed, that’s the way they would hike. Sometimes, he would hand the magic cap to a student, allowing them to throw it, effectively empowering these young, bright-eyed explorers to take charge. Of course, he must have known these routes rather well, as he always found a way to bring them back safely. The person who shared this story with me is now a young adult, and as he recounted this memory, I believe I witness a twinkle in his eyes, a deep fondness for that experience. My exchange with him sent a positive and invigorating charge through me, reaffirming my belief in intuitive education and its power to inspire lifelong curiosity and engagement. This is the Macedon Primary, and this tale is in honour of former principal Mr. Vale - John Ewels.
I came from a very different background and had a vastly contrasting educational experience. For me, this story beautifully illustrates the core values of intuitive education—the intrinsic worth of each student, the wisdom of experiential learning, and the importance of building trust and offering guidance. Bear with me as I reflect and perhaps speak from the perspective of “the grass is greener on the other side.” I may be oversimplifying the process and the effort it takes to cultivate that trust. Mr. Ewels' method was far more than just adventure—it was about nurturing decision-making skills, self-confidence, and a profound respect for the journey itself. His approach demonstrates that education is as much about action and empowerment as it is about instruction, reinforcing the idea that learning is a deeply personal and transformative experience.
I often wonder: what were Mr. Ewels' experiences and the tales of his time that helped shape him? What moments in his life molded his teaching philosophy and inspired his ability to guide others with wisdom and grace?
This is why storytelling—whether through personal experiences or the wisdom passed down from generations (i.e myths and folklores)—is a vital and powerful part of education. It bridges the gap between knowledge and lived experience, transforming abstract lessons into something deeply personal and meaningful. Mr. Ewels’ story is a perfect example: a simple yet profound narrative that lingers, offering lessons not through instruction alone but through lived moments of trust, empowerment, and reflection.
Storytelling builds bridges between people. It creates moments of shared understanding and invites us to see the world through someone else’s eyes. The role of storytelling in building trust and transforming lives lies not just in recounting facts but in the human connection it fosters. Long before textbooks or digital media, stories carried the wisdom of those who came before—the giants on whose shoulders we stand. These tales of resilience, moral dilemmas, and the deep connection between humans and nature were not just entertainment, they were a way to teach values, cultivate decision-making, and inspire empathy.
As an educator, mentor, and creative practitioner, I’ve witnessed how stories personalise learning. They help us see complex ideas in new ways, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable. When we share stories generously and authentically, we do more than exchange information—we create spaces where vulnerability is embraced, where wisdom is shared not with authority but with humility and generosity. In these moments, we must also be mindful that we are simultaneously both the teacher and the learner. What we share—whether through our stories, actions, or words—has the potential to create ripples. May those ripples be uplifting, empowering, and rooted in kindness, for their impact often stretches far beyond what we can see.
This was my story and reflection. My deepest gratitude goes out to each person I’ve crossed paths with—those who offered me their time and shared their stories. You’ve helped shape who I am today. I only hope that, in some small way, I brought a spark of value into your life when our paths met.
~ Joey.Spl
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