Contemplative Pedagogy:
Land · Art · Story
Welcome to the beginnings of an Australian conference, bringing together voices from Waldorf education, mindfulness practice and research, and the wisdom of First Nations peoples.
This conference explores contemplative pedagogy through the themes of land, art and story, which together weave a ‘place’ where these three traditions ‘meet’: a home for different perspectives, knowledge and practices to be heard.
What is contemplative pedagogy? In simple terms, it is the bringing of contemplative practices into education, and therefore into teaching and learning. This might mean using mindful walking or journaling in the classroom, integrating observational practices into the curriculum, or teachers embarking on a process of deep reflection. Each contribution at the conference will share a very personal experience and understanding of this rich topic.
This page will be a home for information about the conference as it develops over the coming months. Please continue to check here for all updates, or contact me directly if you have further questions.
What you need to know
- When will the conference date be announced?
The conference will likely take place in January 2027, with the date(s) being announced in July 2026. - Where is it taking place?
All sessions will be available online, with some potentially also being in-person talks or events – in Australia. - How much will the tickets cost?
This is yet to be determined, though the aim is to ensure the conference is as accessible as possible.
Speakers
I am delighted to announce the first speakers for the conference, with more to follow soon.
Dr Nicole Albrecht
Dr Konrad Korobacz
Gosia Winter
Dr Nicole Albrecht is an educator, researcher and wellness advocate working across mindfulness, wellbeing and holistic education. With experience in primary, secondary and tertiary settings, Nicole teaches wellbeing and positive mental health at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. Her research focuses on mindfulness, nature-based learning and sustainability in education. Through MindWellCoach, Nicole also delivers mindfulness training and professional development for educators, health professionals and communities.
Dr Konrad Korobacz is an educator and education researcher with interests in educational philosophy and place-conscious education – as well as paleo-archaeology, the evolution of consciousness, and the arts. He began teaching at Lorien Novalis School in Dural, New South Wales, in 1973, and later became the founding teacher and Director of Teaching at Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School. Konrad is currently Principal of Lorien Novalis School.
Gosia Winter is a Waldorf educator with more than 20 years’ teaching experience. An artist and musician, Gosia approaches education as a ‘social sculpture’ and has trained in Bothmer Movement in Europe and Australia. Her work focuses on the practical application of Anthroposophy and contemplative practice in everyday teaching and learning. Alongside her role at Perth Waldorf School in Western Australia, Gosia mentors and provides professional development opportunities for educators.
With thanks
I’d like to express my gratitude to the following organisations / individuals:
The Ileen Macpherson Trust for the award of funds which has made this conference possible. Click on the image to learn more about their work.
Isaac Osland – who designed the mural at Muloobinba Waldorf Minamba – for his permission to use the artwork here. To find out more about this beautiful mural, painted by Isaac and classmates Elsa Vial, Channing Price and Alethea Graham, click on the image.