2024 Regional Day Out Wrap-Up: A Celebration of Student Agency and Wellbeing
02 Dec 2024
The 2024 Regional Day Out (RDO), held on Friday 22 November 2024, in Adelaide | Tarndanya, showcased the profound impact that thoughtful design and student agency can have on creating dynamic learning environments.
With the theme "LEARNING TO THRIVE: more than a classroom", this year’s event brought together architects, teachers, educators, designers, and administrators to reimagine educational spaces as hubs of holistic growth and wellness.
The day commenced at Immanuel College with a heart warming Welcome to Country delivered by a talented sister duo. One student offered a live welcome in language, accompanied by a video of her sister’s soulful performance with a string quartet. This moving introduction beautifully linked the site’s deep, pre-colonial heritage to its forward-thinking ethos.
The mornings keynote speakers provided a wealth of inspiration. Kevin Richardson, former Principal of Immanuel College, shared his journey of fostering a culture of “rebels with respect,” empowering students to question, lead, and co-design their educational experiences. He detailed how students actively contribute to decisions ranging from curriculum design to campus landscaping, underscoring the transformative power of student voice.
Madhavi Nawana Parker of Positive Minds Australia followed with an engaging session on managing stress in a fast-paced digital world. Her insights into the body’s response to stress and the importance of calmness resonated deeply, setting the stage for an interactive panel discussion. Joining Kevin and Madhavi were Immanuel College students and the school’s landscape architect, who showcased how collaborative design nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose.
The afternoon transitioned into site tours exploring eleven different learning environments throughout the Adelaide region that truly embodied the theme of the RDO. Many of the sites were designed with students, for students and incorporated biophilic design and thoughtful facades that demonstrated how functionality and aesthetic harmony can coexist to inspire wellbeing.
The 2024 RDO successfully wove together themes of wellbeing, innovation, and student empowerment. Through expert-led discussions and immersive tours, attendees gained invaluable insights into creating educational environments where every student can thrive.
A heartfelt congratulations to the South Australia Chapter for curating an unforgettable event that continues to inspire the evolution of learning spaces.
Thank you to all our event sponsors for supporting the 2024 Regional Day Out:
- Shaw Contract - Coffee Cart Sponsor
- Aqua Bubbler - Name Badge Sponsor
- Planex - Site Tour 2 Sponsor
- Bluescope - Site Tour 4 Sponsor
- Woods Furniture - Site Tour 5 Sponsor
- Tensile Design & Construct - Site Tour 6 Sponsor
