In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, host John Mihalyo interviews Anne-Marie Maw, a seasoned educator with 25 years of experience, currently serving as the principal of St. Agatha's Primary School in Brisbane.

She shares her passion for involving students in community service, fostering their generosity, and encouraging social entrepreneurship among young learners.

She discusses successful initiatives undertaken by her students, such as crafting and selling jewelry for breast cancer awareness, and emphasizes the importance of active involvement rather than mere financial contributions.

Anne Marie also details her unique approach to nurturing student leadership and entrepreneurial spirit by requiring students to pitch their ideas in a 'Shark Tank'-like format, thereby ensuring commitment and preparation.

The conversation delves into the broader implications of these practices on students' mental health and societal contributions, underscoring the motto 'Deeds Not Words' and highlighting the significance of practical action over mere discussion in education and beyond.

00:08 Meet the Guest: Anne-Marie Maw
01:06 Anne-Marie's Passion for Student Empowerment
01:22 Anne-Marie's Community Involvement and Faith in Action
02:40 The Concept of Social Entrepreneurship in Schools
03:18 Real-life Examples of Social Entrepreneurship at St. Agatha's
04:55 The Importance of Planning and Preparation in Student Initiatives
05:14 The 'Shark Tank' Approach to Student Ideas
07:03 The Impact of Student-led Initiatives
08:54 The Role of Teachers in Student-led Initiatives
10:03 The Importance of Action in Service Projects
13:41 Integrating the School's Motto into its Culture
15:29 Creating Opportunities for Student Leadership
23:50 The Future of St. Agatha's and its Students
26:29 Conclusion: The Link Between Service and Mental Health