St John's Anglican College Early Years Conference 2026

CONTINUING SPECIAL EDITION YEAR - EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY

Join us for a dynamic day of inspiration, collaboration, and practical strategies you can implement in your context, the very next day!

Keynote Speaker and Workshop – Michele Sampson

The Power of Predictability: How Self-Regulatory Practices Anchor Resilience

This two-part professional learning experience combines inspiring big-picture thinking with practical, classroom-ready application.

In the keynote, educators explore how predictable environments and self-regulatory practices support all learners, particularly those impacted by stress and trauma, to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Grounded in developmental understanding and a Berry Street Education Model lens, this session unpacks why behaviour is communication and how regulation underpins engagement.

The follow-up workshop brings these ideas to life, providing hands-on, developmentally appropriate strategies that educators can confidently implement the very next day. Participants will build a toolkit of simple, effective practices that support body regulation, strengthen relationships, and create calm, predictable classrooms across Prep to Year 6 and into kindergarten settings.

Together, these sessions support a shared, consistent approach, helping teams reduce dysregulation, increase engagement, and create environments where every child can thrive.

Michele Sampson, bio

Michele Sampson has extensive experience as an early years teacher, school leader and education consultant. Currently, she is the Manager of BSEM Early Years at the Berry Street Education Model.

Michele is a passionate advocate for children, educators, schools and communities. Her work over the last ten years has focused on supporting educators in using trauma-informed strengths-based strategies to ensure a whole school approach.

Her biggest joy is seeing all children, including those with complex unmet needs, find healthy ways to engage in early learning, and educators who feel confident to support those children in their growth and wellbeing.