Every great school leader we’ve spoken to has one thing in common - they make people feel like they belong. Some do it with energy and fun, others with quiet kindness, but the impact is the same.  Stronger schools and happier people. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Allen. Mark shows us how opening up the school to the community, being present each day, and making time for joy and connection can transform the way people feel about their local school. 

Whether it’s a morning smile, a conversation at the gate, or working alongside parents and leveraging P&C meetings, Mark shares how schools can become places where everyone feels welcome and where the whole community has a role to play. 

A big thank you to the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this podcast. 

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Fox, a teacher, school leader and guidance officer who has turned neuroscience into storytelling magic. Wendy shares how a simple story about an owl, a guard dog, and an elephant is helping students, teachers and even parents understand the brain and regulate emotions. 

From the rise in dysregulation and schools’ refusal post-COVID, to teaching young children to recognise and respond to their emotional states, this episode is packed with insights on how to support wellbeing, improve behaviour, and lastly create better conditions for learning. Be ready to walk away with a new, practical, and fun framework. 

A big thank you to the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this podcast. 

As we close yet another Podcast season, as well as another year, we reflect on the evolving landscape of education and, in particular, school leadership. We explore how the key challenges they face have shifted in recent years. From addressing mental health, to staff shortages, we discuss the current realities of leadership in schools.

We also look back at all the incredible guests who’ve been on the Podcast and discuss what we believe are the common characteristics they share, which allowed them to achieve such amazing things both in their schools and their personal lives.

Join us for an insightful discussion filled with lessons, inspiration, and practical takeaways for anyone in education.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this Podcast. 

In this episode, we sit down with Principal Greg Weeks, who designed the “timetable for the perfect day” for himself, staff and students. Faced with the constant demands of his role, as well as curriculum demands, and staff wellbeing, he reimagined the daily timetable to create an environment that supports academic focus, job effectiveness, and collaboration. 

Join us as we explore the process he went through to achieve this. We'll discuss the implementation strategies and practical takeaways on how to rethink the structure of the school day for a healthier, more productive learning and work environment for staff and students alike. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this Podcast.  

In this episode, we look at the characteristics of an innovative leader. Join us as we speak with Jennifer Parrett who is exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

We’ll explore traits such as a student focused vision, and a commitment to lifelong learning, discussing how these qualities empower leaders to foster a culture of innovation within their schools.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an experienced educator, this episode will provide valuable perspectives on how to break the mould and drive innovation, ultimately transforming the educational experience for both students and teachers alike.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this Podcast. 

Join us in this episode as we sit down with an exceptional school principal, Chris Whitten, who is transforming his school through a deep commitment to staff and student wellbeing. Discover the innovative strategies and leadership practices that have led to his school being rated as ‘excelling in the area of wellbeing’.

This episode is a must-listen for all educators, as Chris shares with us his school’s wellbeing journey and some really practical tools. Through initiatives such as a strengths-based approach, Chris has had a very positive impact on students and staff alike. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this Podcast. 

In this episode, we're privileged to be joined by two incredible principals, Jude Hayman and Scott Sanford, to shine a light on the often-overlooked area of Vicarious Trauma in education.  

But this episode is not about sharing and dwelling on all the incredible tough things educators deal with when supporting their students, parents, their staff and the community. Instead, focus on solutions. We share with you the strategies and practices that Jude and Scott have implemented within their schools and in their personal lives to support themselves and effectively manage and minimise the impact of vicarious trauma on them and their staff. From fostering a culture of open communication and vulnerability, to ensuring the practice of self-care, they offer really practical insights and actionable advice for principals and educators alike. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSW Primary Principals Association, our learning partner in this podcast. 

In this podcast episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Principal Adam Downes. Join us as we unpack the concept of Kevin and how Adam used it to evolve his leadership. Through vulnerability and self-awareness, he has managed to take a new approach to the way he engages with his inner critic.

In this very special episode, we talk about the deep meaning and purpose that sits behind school leaders. Our guest, the incredible Melinda Smith, shares her inspiring story and the journey that led her to a leadership role at a special education school, revealing the profound meaning and purpose that drives her work each day.

Principal Jane Grieger, who shares the proactive steps her and her staff took to address staff shortages in her regional school. Jane shares the challenges they faced, how waiting for external solutions wasn't enough and the innovative strategies they came up with to attract teachers to her region.

Louise shares her initial struggles with guilt and reluctance to prioritise herself due to the demanding responsibilities of her role. We talk about some of the detrimental mindsets and expectations surrounding the role of a school leader, which perpetuate the myth of self-neglect and sacrifice as a badge of honour for educators.

Simon Ellaby is the proud Principal of a Special Education School in Tasmania. Since joining the school, Simon has put a lot of time and effort into improving the culture of the school and the staff’s wellbeing. As a result of this, he saw significant reductions in absenteeism (200 days last year), the number of critical incidents, teachers want to come and work at his school and his current staff is engaged in their work.

Welcome to The Flourish Movement podcast, a space where school leaders share their ‘superpowers’.

Find out how Robyn Evans managed to implement 2 hours of quiet time a day across the whole school to ensure everyone gets uninterrupted working time.

Rebecca Challenor shares how she used better communication to engage the parents, improve the culture of the school and unite her leadership team.

In this episode we welcome Jen Charadia. Jen is a super organiser and has lots of brilliant tips on how to stay on top of the ever-growing amount of paper and other work that school leaders are required to do.

Principal Jeanette Black tells us about how she has successfully created a school community that practices empathy and inclusion on a daily basis.

In The Flourish Movement we have often come across people who think the grass is greener on the other side and that the wellbeing of the school leader can be determined by the size of the school they lead. But is this the case?

In this episode, we sit down with David O'Connor, a highly experienced school principal with a remarkable ability to keep a harmonious balance between his demanding job and his family life, while empowering his staff to do the same.

In this captivating podcast episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Principal Greg Wells. From critical incidents to sensitive conflicts, the role of a school leader is often tested in the most challenging moments. Join us as Greg shares with us the real-life stories, tools and strategies that allow him to navigate each storm he faces.