As teachers, leaders and policy makers gathered for the launch of The Relational Teacher, we were honoured to welcome Susan Pinker, international best-selling author of The Village Effect. Flying in especially from Canada to be with us, Susan gave an impassioned address which was surprising, entertaining and persuasive. Her argument is clear: face-to-face interaction affects how well we learn, how quickly we fight off infection, and ultimately how long we live! Relationships matter and the work of Relational Schools urgent.