Gemma Lynch

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

What an incredible morning! 💙

Today I had the privilege of speaking to more than 120 educational leaders at the National Catholic Secondary Principals Conference in Sydney.

One of the messages I’m most passionate about is the important role schools play in reducing UV exposure during childhood and the teenage years.

Students spend thousands of hours outdoors throughout their school life. When we create shaded, comfortable spaces, we’re doing so much more than protecting students from the sun.

We’re creating outdoor classrooms.
We’re encouraging physical activity.
We’re supporting student wellbeing.
We’re creating places where students want to connect.

After visiting hundreds of schools across Australia, one thing has become very clear to me—the best outdoor spaces are always the busiest. When students have comfortable, shaded environments, they naturally use them every day.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended my presentation and to the organisers of the National Catholic Secondary Principals Conference for the opportunity to be part of such an important event.

Here’s to continuing the conversation about creating healthier, safer and more engaging outdoor learning environments for every school across Australia. ☀️🏫

10/06/2026

Today I had the privilege of speaking in front of more than 300 educational leaders about something I am incredibly passionate about — protecting Australian children from the sun.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and schools play a critical role in creating safer outdoor environments for students. Shade isn’t just a structure; it’s an investment in student wellbeing, outdoor learning, play, and long-term health outcomes.

As both a business owner and a parent, it’s rewarding to be part of the conversation around creating healthier and safer school environments for future generations.

Thank you to all the principals, educators and school leaders who took the time to engage in this important discussion. Together, we can make a real difference.

☀️ Protecting kids.
🏫 Supporting schools.
🌏 Creating healthier communities.

04/06/2026

✨ What an incredible few days at EDUtech Australia 2026! ✨

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with education leaders from across Australia 🇦🇺 and around the world 🌏, discussing the future of education, student wellbeing, and creating safer outdoor environments for future generations.

One thing is clear — schools are increasingly focused on creating learning spaces that support both student health ☀️ and engagement 📚.

The conversations around outdoor learning, sport 🏃‍♀️, wellbeing ❤️, heat management 🌡️ and UV protection have been insightful, inspiring and full of opportunity.

I always leave events like this energised ⚡ by the people I meet. It’s a reminder that real change happens when passionate educators 👩‍🏫, industry leaders 🤝 and innovators 💡 come together to solve challenges and share ideas.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, shared their experiences, and explored ways we can continue making outdoor spaces safer and more usable for students year-round.

The future of education is bright 🌟, and I’m grateful to be part of the conversation.

25/05/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. ☀️💚

We’re honoured to be featured in the 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, with three decades of supporting local businesses and championing homegrown innovation.

At 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮, being Australian Made isn’t just a label — it’s our commitment to protecting communities where it matters most. 🌿

With one of the highest UV exposure rates in the world, creating safer outdoor environments is essential. That’s why we design and manufacture premium shade solutions right here in New South Wales, helping schools, playgrounds, and public spaces stay cooler, safer, and more enjoyable. 🏫🌳

✨ Our commitment:
🛡️ Up to 99% UV protection
❄️ Cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces
💯 Locally designed & made for 29 years
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Protecting future generations, one shade at a time

Supporting Australian Made means supporting safer communities, local jobs, and a stronger future. 💚

Check our website to see the full article: https://www.sunshade.com.au/

10/05/2026

This issue of School News explores the people, spaces and systems shaping Australian schools in Term 2, 2026. Inside, we examine declining school attendance, the importance of mentors in educational l