Well-Led Schools

In this episode, I had the pleasure of diving into the world of Positive Psychology with our guest, Chris Daicos, an experienced educator and consultant with over 40 years of experience in the field of education.    Chris's expertise lies in leveraging Positive Psychology interventions to foster personal and organisational flourishing. As she eloquently explains, Positive Psychology isn't merely about putting on a happy face or ignoring challenges; it's a paradigm shift from problem-focused to solution-focused thinking.    Unlike traditional psychology, which often fixates on dissecting problems and finding ways to mitigate them, Positive Psychology seeks to identify moments of success, strength, and resilience. Through this lens, Chris shares insights on how schools can adopt Positive Psychology approaches to enhance wellbeing for students, staff, and the wider community.    Join us as we explore the transformative potential of Positive Psychology in education and its practical applications for creating thriving school environments.   In this episode, we cover: What Positive Psychology is and how it differs from traditional psychology Why schools should adopt positive psychology approaches when looking to enhance wellbeing at their schools The PERMA(H) model and its components How a strengths exploration initiative can improve wellbeing across most areas of the PERMA(H) model The importance of communication and unifying the team with a clear vision and expectations About the Guest Chris Daicos is a dedicated advocate for personal and organisational flourishing, leveraging her extensive background as a trained teacher, social worker, and facilitator. As a foundation graduate of Australia’s first Master Applied Positive Psychology program, Chris seamlessly combines her expertise in pedagogy with evidence-based practices to deliver tailored professional learning to leaders, teachers and parents on a range of topics including Positive Psychology, leadership, people management, parental education and more.   With over 40 years of experience in Education, 20 of which were spent consulting with schools, Chris specilises in implementing Positive Psychology interventions to enhance wellbeing in diverse contexts. With a focus on practical application and real-life scenarios, Chris's workshops are valued for their effectiveness in promoting confidence, engagement, and satisfaction among participants.   Her professional portfolio includes teaching Master's courses on wellbeing and positive psychology at Melbourne University, Victoria University, Australian Catholic University, and Deakin University. She has also spent three years working at Headspace, training professionals to identify and respond to young people at risk. Links and Resources: Blog Article: The PERMAH Model for Workplace Wellbeing adriennehornby.com.au/the-permah-model-for-workplace-wellbeing/   Waitlist for the Well-Led Schools Partnership: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/    Identify your strengths with the VIA Character Strengths Survey: www.viacharacter.org/   Research Mentioned in The Episode:   Friedrich and Jane Dutton - High-quality connections/positive relationships: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_to_create_high_quality_connections_at_work https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/HighQualityConnections.pdf   Barbara Fredrickson - Positive emotions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122271/   Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - Concept of flow: https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/#:~:text=In%20Csikszentmihalyi's%20words%2C%20flow%20is,doing%20it%E2%80%9D%20(1990).   https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/    Bruce Tuckman’s model of team development: https://hr.mit.edu/learning-topics/teams/articles/stages-development   https://www.wcupa.edu/coral/tuckmanStagesGroupDelvelopment.aspx#:~:text=These%20stages%20are%20commonly%20known,more%20collaborative%20or%20shared%20leadership.    https://www.mindtools.com/abyj5fi/forming-storming-norming-and-performing    https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1965-12187-001    Viviane Robinson - Open to learning conversations: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Viviane-Robinson/publication/267411000_Open-to-learning_Conversations_Background_Paper_Introduction_to_Open-to-learning_Conversations/links/54d7cb6c0cf2970e4e755956/Open-to-learning-Conversations-Background-Paper-Introduction-to-Open-to-learning-Conversations.pdf   https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Viviane-Robinson/publication/242493851_School_Leadership_and_Student_Outcomes_Identifying_What_Works_and_Why_Best_Evidence_Synthesis_Iteration_BES/links/0046352c76ef753faa000000/School-Leadership-and-Student-Outcomes-Identifying-What-Works-and-Why-Best-Evidence-Synthesis-Iteration-BES.pdf    Michelle McQuaid - Care Framework:   https://www.michellemcquaid.com/can-you-create-a-culture-of-care/   Renee Acton - Re-envisaging psychosocial safety in school workforces through intentional job design https://www.acel.org.au/ACEL/ACELWEB/Active/Item_Detail.aspx?iProductCode=AELV46I1P&Category=AEL   Kim Cameron - Virtuous Organisations: https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/resilience/the-virtuous-organization-kim-cameron  Book: Practicing Positive Leadership: Tools and Techniques That Create Extraordinary Results   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with Chris via: Her website: www.chrisdaicos.com.au  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-daicos-mapp-dip-tch-primary-ba-bsw-facel-86b6bb5/  Facebook Page: Helping Organisations and Families Flourish www.facebook.com/groups/697282924279023/?paipv=0&eav=AfYnmbA-6nvkc93m7Rg9wdSQBiA5KGHwP0PGXJJVYBY5tr6hGD68gUBx2dDyDr3sFGo&_rdr    Connect with me via: My website adriennehornby.com.au Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email hello@adriennehornby.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I had the honour of chatting with Kathy Bowers, a parenting coach with over four decades of experience working with children and their families.    Why a parenting coach on a teacher wellbeing podcast? Much of our work with students relies on the relationships we have with parents. In this partnership, they can often lean on us for advice for ways to connect with and engage their students. We don;t always have the answers as the classroom and school environment is very different to home.   Kathy's approach is deeply rooted in the belief that effective communication is the cornerstone of successful parenting. Through her guidance, parents are empowered to navigate communication challenges and foster meaningful connections with their children. She emphasises the importance of presence and active listening, helping parents develop the skills necessary to build rapport and trust with their children.   Join us as we explore Kathy's wealth of knowledge and experience, gaining invaluable tools and perspectives to enhance parenting practices and promote harmony within our families, but also in classrooms.   In this episode, we cover: Common challenges parents face in parenting  The importance of communication and being present to build rapport and trust with your children The value of bridging the gap between our children’s home and school life What parents can do to develop their communication skills at home Steps parents can take to create routines and boundaries at home to establish expectations and respect Strategies for communicating and maintaining a relationship with your independence-seeking teen Effective ways to work with children and young people to achieve a desired outcome without the use of harsh discipline   About Kathy: Kathy Bowers is a parenting coach with over 40 years experience. She works with families and supports parents on all things parenting, behavioural difficulties and the importance of communication.   Kathy’s journey spans more than 20 years as a family practitioner in social care, where she hones her expertise in understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of family life. Recognising the need for positive change and armed with a wealth of knowledge, Kathy transitioned to coaching parents and individuals where she now   focuses on supporting parents to find their own solutions to overcome communication and parenting difficulties aiming to Improve their relationship with their children and ensure harmony & balance are restored.   Links and Resources: Student Management Pilot Program: adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/ Download Kathy’s FREE parenting ebook: Download here   Connect with Kathy via: Her website: www.life-change-coaching.co.uk Email: kathy@life-change-coaching.co.uk  Instagram: www.instagram.com/kathybowers50/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-bowers-43555b176/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083422956915   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au     Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am joined by the fabulous Dr. Tori Ellis, a Transformational Life and Business Coach and author based in New York City. I had the pleasure of asking Dr. Ellis some thought-provoking questions about her work and insights about her unique approach to working with young people, individuals and organisations, blending the worlds of hip-hop and positive psychology to create a lasting impact within schools, communities and businesses.    In this episode, we cover: The benefits and transformations that can be seen from introducing a dedicated youth program in schools The importance of community in shaping young people’s lives Common challenges young people are facing or struggling to overcome in their lives and in learning How involving, relating to and listening to young people can help them overcome some of those challenges What educators can do to ensure they show up authentically so they can truly connect with their students  The importance of filling your cup first before pouring into others as an educator Strategies to help educators support their wellbeing from a positive psychology standpoint   About Dr. Tori Ellis Dr. Tori Ellis is a Transformational Life and Business Coach with a mission to empower and guide others in education and the workplace.  With over 7 years of educational management experience, she now coaches using innovative techniques to drive personal and organisational development for individuals and businesses to excel at their highest capacity. Tori additionally focuses on wellness, positive psychology, and entrepreneurship, showcased in her Best-Selling book "The Sound of Business: Seeing Entrepreneurship through Hip Hop." Tori shares impactful stories to inspire children and young people worldwide, encouraging them to pursue their passions in various life aspects.  She has a background in Psychology and Criminal Justice, a Masters in Industrial-Organisational Psychology and a PsyD. in Human and Organisational Psychology.   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Links and Resources: Well-Led Classrooms: A Student Management Pilot Program: adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/   Connect with Dr. Tori Ellis: Her website https://thesoundofbusiness.org/services/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-ellis-psyd-1a170a166/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/always_drtorii/ Purchase her book on Amazon: The Sound of Business: Seeing Entrepreneurship Through Hip-Hop https://shorturl.at/auAIJ   Connect with me via: My website http://adriennehornby.com.au Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email hello@adriennehornby.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Megan Corcoran, the Founder and Director of Wagtail Institute. Her mission is to empower schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities where everyone can thrive. She works alongside leaders, educators and social workers to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice and navigate pathways to healing.    Megan brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the table as a dedicated advocate for the wellbeing of educators and leaders working in challenging environments.   Throughout our conversation, we explore the significance of trauma-informed practices beyond student-focused approaches, uncovering their benefits for staff, families and the wider community.   In this episode, we cover: How to deeply embed trauma-informed practices into the tapestry of our schools What trauma is and how our unique lived experience impacts how we respond to traumatic events Why trauma-informed practices are beneficial and should be considered as a protective measure How trauma-informed practices can help students and staff in complex settings thrive The importance of having a shared sense of belonging in settings like schools or workplaces Practical strategies to promote a sense of belonging in schools, with an emphasis on teens What we can do to transfer our training in student-focused trauma-informed practice to meet the needs of staff Recommendations for how leaders can encourage their staff’s wellbeing when working in complex settings The most effective ways to support staff who’ve been involved in or witnessed a critical incident at school or work Ways to support your wellbeing if you are experiencing trauma, or work in a complex setting About Megan: Megan Corcoran is a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of educators, social workers and leaders in challenging environments. She draws inspiration from her upbringing in Wiradjuri Country and the profound influence of her grandparents.    With twelve years of experience in teaching and leadership roles within alternative schools for young people who have experienced trauma and significant disadvantages, Megan is deeply grounded in trauma-informed practice and wellbeing science.    She shares her expertise as a lecturer of positive psychology at Monash University, specialising in post-graduate education. Her dedication to fostering belonging as a means of healing, particularly for those who have experienced childhood trauma, is evident through her research and practical initiatives, such as the Berry Street Education Model.    Megan's commitment extends beyond academia. She actively engages in leadership development and coaching, notably through the Teach to Lead fellowship. Her diverse experiences, from volunteering in Palestine to training in boxing, reflect her holistic approach to personal growth and wellbeing. Megan's journey exemplifies a relentless pursuit of empowerment and resilience, both in her professional and personal endeavours.   Links and Resources: Explore our Student Behaviour Pilot Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/    If you’re interested in diving deeper into the concept of ‘belonging’, check out Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen, an expert on the topic:  https://www.drkellyallen.com/    Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Megan via: Her website: https://wagtailinstitute.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-corcoran-a5ab1738/  On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute/    Connect with me via: My website http://adriennehornby.com.au Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email hello@adriennehornby.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social events, morning teas and the one-off wellbeing workshops can only do so much to improve staff wellbeing and school culture. While they’re well-intentioned, these initiatives only target the very surface of the daily challenges school staff face. We need to take a deeper look at the underlying and systemic reasons why staff may be suffering from chronic stress and burnout. Once identified, solutions and actions can be put in place that directly address the issues while considering various elements that, when improved upon, can create a positive and long-lasting change in how your staff and school culture feel.    In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast, I am once again joined by School Principal Rob Lans where we discuss the six-step framework for improving staff wellbeing and school culture. This framework considers elements of Positive Psychology, current educational leadership research and the recommendations from leading Australian wellbeing organisations like Beyond Blue, Be You and the Black Dog Institute.    The 6 steps to improved wellbeing in schools are Scan your school and pinpoint the wellbeing needs of your team Establish a culture of wellbeing beginning with a co-created school vision for wellbeing Agree on the joint responsibilities of staff wellbeing Upskill and train leaders and staff in effective ways to promote, support and improve staff wellbeing and school culture Tailor a ‘Wellbeing Action Plan’ for your school Follow through on your Wellbeing Action Plan and check in on your progress In this episode, we cover: Why tokenistic approaches to wellbeing don’t work The 6-step framework for improving staff wellbeing and school culture Actions you can take to carry out each step   Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership - adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/ Download the 6 steps PDF guide Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Surveys   Blog article: A 6-Step Staff Wellbeing Framework to Beat Staff Burnout and Improve School Culture https://adriennehornby.com.au/a-staff-wellbeing-framework-to-beat-staff-burnout-and-improve-school-culture/  Blog article: The PERMA(H) model for workplace wellbeing Blog article: What is Positive Psychology and How to Apply The Principles to Your Own Wellbeing Blog article: The Wellbeing Action Plan: An Essential Tool For Ensuring Staff Wellbeing In The Workplace   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast I am joined by Corey Tavella, Principal of Thomas More College in South Australia where, together, we’ll be exploring the guiding principles of ‘Well-Led’ schools.    When adopted and applied, these principles can help schools to “lead with wellbeing in mind,” begin to transform the culture from within and better influence positive outcomes in student learning and school achievement.    The 9 Guiding Principles of Well-Led Schools   Well-Led Schools… Know that healthy, well and engaged staff positively influence student learning: Carefully consider how to weave staff wellbeing into the fabric of the school Seek the input and consultation of all staff Recognise that awareness is the first key to change Are led by highly-skilled and emotionally intelligent leaders Understand that staff wellbeing is a joint responsibility Have shared vision and a ‘Wellbeing Action Plan’ Promote collaboration and nurture strong relationships Engage their staff About Corey: Corey Travella is currently the Principal of Thomas More College in South Australia, a relatively large 7-12 school of almost 1100 students from 7-12 (co-ed). This is his fifth year as Principal, having been a Deputy Principal at two schools, one all-boys and one all-girls. One of his key tenets of leadership is presence which, he believes, lends itself well to staff wellbeing; in aiming to be present for his staff, he wants to ensure they all know they are heard, valued, cared for and respected. Corey has been in education for 23 years, and these five years are the first where he has not taught students. Having said that, his guiding principle is that his staff are 'his class', and he aims to challenge and support them to help them achieve their best, as he would his students.   In this episode, we cover: What a ‘Well-Led’ school is 9 research-backed guiding principles that will help schools lead with wellbeing in mind   Links and Resources: Catch the live training replay: adriennehornby.com.au/live-training/  Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/  Survey Your Staff and Pinpoint Your School’s needs: adriennehornby.com.au/service/anonymous-staff-surveys/  Blog article: The 9 Guiding Principles of Well-Led Schools   Connect with Corey: Coreys work with his Executive Team’s Leadership statement via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7027146166421114880/    Connect with Corey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-tavella-084160173/    Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast, we explore the crucial aspects of educational leadership with Dr. Paul Teys, an inspiring leader in the education space with over four decades of experience in the field.    As a seasoned mentor, coach, and expert in educational leadership, Dr. Paul brings a wealth of insight to our discussion. Join us as we explore Dr. Paul's profound wisdom on effective educational leadership.   In this episode, we cover: The importance of mentoring and coaching for new leaders The guiding principles of educational leadership What it means to be an authentic leader and the positive benefits that come from it The importance of knowing and living by your values as a leader What an effective approach to leading staff and building school culture entails Why involving staff in problem-solving and change processes is key to managing change and building trust Why we should be investing more in the development of middle leaders How effective communication is central to building a school culture of wellbeing The transformations we can witness when we focus on professional development for senior and middle leaders   About Paul    With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Paul is an expert in the educational leadership space. His journey of 36 years in middle and executive leadership roles, crowned by 24 transformative years as Principal across diverse schools in three states, has shaped the educational experiences of countless learners and educators.    Paul‘s profound impact stems from his deep commitment to excellence in leadership and his commitment to fostering the growth and success of schools, principals, and their teams.   A seasoned mentor and coach, Dr Paul empowers educational leaders to excel by harnessing their unique strengths, nurturing their potential, and guiding them through the complexities of leadership in dynamic learning environments. His strategic approach to professional development is tailored to the needs of executive teams and leaders, ensuring that their growth translates into tangible results for their schools and communities.   Dr Paul also works in executive leadership recruitment as an Associate of Slade Group. With unparalleled insight from living the experience himself, he excels in recruiting executive leaders and principals for schools, offering a depth of understanding and a tailored approach that sets Dr Paul apart as the go-to expert in educational leadership placements   Links and Resources: Explore our 12-month Well-Led Schools Partnership Program adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/    Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Paul via: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulteys/?originalSubdomain=au His website: www.paulteys.com  Connect with me via: My website http://adriennehornby.com.au Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email hello@adriennehornby.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am joined by Chantelle Kohn -  educator, facilitator, change-maker, and Founder of The Change Collab, specialising in helping leaders, teams and teachers develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to create and sustain thriving communities.  In this conversation, we unravel the significance of "soft skills" in education, exploring their role in leadership, the intersection with emotional intelligence, and actionable steps for educators to take to enhance these vital competencies, fostering transformative outcomes for both individuals and school communities In this episode, we cover: The importance of personal development so you can have a positive impact at home, in the workplace and in the community How having a scientist mindset versus a judge mindset can help us cultivate deeper relationships The difference between soft and hard skills and why a balance of both is needed Why soft skills are particularly essential in education for leaders and staff How building trust and connection with your teams is essential to resolving and preventing conflict Which soft skills are most essential in the education space Common challenges educators may be facing that could be greatly improved by focused work on building soft skills and emotional intelligence Practical steps that we can take to begin developing our soft skills individually and as a whole school community The positive changes that can be seen when a school focuses on developing their people’s soft skills and emotional intelligence   About Chantelle Kohn: Chantelle Kohn, is an educator, facilitator and change-maker with over a decade of leadership development experience within the non-profit, corporate, government and education sectors. She is passionate about helping others develop the human competencies to transform our communities and create a better society for all. Previously, as a Director of Learning and Development, Chantelle designed and implemented training programs and corporate training for facilitator teams in Australia and across the globe. Chantelle is now the Founder and Director of The Change Collab, specialising in helping leaders, teams and teachers develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to create and sustain thriving communities. She is passionate about supporting leaders to build their capacity to be transformative leaders, team members or educators by strengthening their human skills (‘soft skills’), emotional intelligence, global competence, and intercultural competence. All of which can lead to an increase in the social, emotional and academic outcomes of our students.  Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app - that way, we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Chantelle via: Her website: https://www.thechangecollab.com/  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantelle-kohn-1a0ab377/?originalSubdomain=au The Change Collab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-collab/?originalSubdomain=au  Instagram: @the.change.collab.community  https://www.instagram.com/the.change.collab.community/    Connect with me via: My website http://adriennehornby.com.au Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email hello@adriennehornby.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In season 2, episode 3 of the Well-Led Schools podcast I am pulling this conversation from the vault. I was joined on the podcast at the beginning of last year by Rob Lans - school principal and expert on leading schools with wellbeing in mind.  As we commence 2024, many schools will be focusing on ways to improve staff wellbeing yet, without a carefully planned out and focused approach many will fail to see the results they’re looking for.  The start of the school year is the best time to reconsider your approach to staff wellbeing so you can kick off the term and year with your best foot forward.  In this episode, we discuss ten steps you can take to better support staff wellbeing and improve school culture.   In this episode we’ll cover: The value of asking your staff about their health and wellbeing and which initiatives they feel would be most supportive The importance of adapting the way we lead our school to support our staff, students and community  Ways to review our approach to staff collaboration, goal setting and professional development Planning effective staff relationship building and collaboration opportunities  Practical ways to address staff health and wellbeing that aren’t seen as tokenistic or surface level    Links and resources Explore how my services can help you better support staff this year: Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Surveys: https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-wellbeing-surveys/  My 6 Step Approach: https://adriennehornby.com.au/about-6-steps/  Well Led Schools Partnerships: https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/    Related blog articles  10 Steps to Take This Term to Improve Staff Wellbeing At Your School: https://adriennehornby.com.au/steps-to-improve-staff-wellbeing-at-your-school/  What Is A School Scan Of Wellbeing And Why Does Your School Need To Do One?: https://adriennehornby.com.au/what-is-a-school-scan-of-wellbeing-and-why-your-school-needs-one/  Adopting An Inquiry Approach to Staff Wellbeing and School Culture in Our Schools: https://adriennehornby.com.au/adopting-an-inquiry-approach-to-staff-wellbeing-and-school-culture-in-our-schools/  Re-Building School Culture And Staff Wellbeing Post Lockdown: Six Emerging Themes In The Research: https://adriennehornby.com.au/rebuilding-school-culture-and-staff-wellbeing-post-lockdown/    Additional learning resources and tools Timperley’s Spiral of Inquiry: https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/content/download/74475/611763/file/Spiral%20of%20Inquiry%20Paper%20-%20Timperley%20Kaser%20Halbert.pdf  PLC Maturity Matrix : https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/management/improvement/plcmaturitymatrix.pdf  The Futility of PLC Lite: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295833071_The_futility_of_PLC_lite  Pallet Play: https://www.palletplay.com.au/    Free downloadable tools Teacher Identity Discovery Questions: https://adriennehornby.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Discover-Professional-Identity-.pdf  Leadership evaluation tool: https://mailchi.mp/adriennehornby/leadership-evaluation  Team building ideas: https://mailchi.mp/adriennehornby/teambuilding    Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honored that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review in iTunes or on your podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a continuation of Season 2 Episode 1, where Rob Lans and I dove deep into some of the mistakes we see schools make when it comes to addressing student behaviour challenges. If you missed that one, you’ll want to listen to it before diving into this episode, where we unveil and discuss practical solutions that are realistic and relatively simple to implement.   In this episode, we cover: How to ensure you have a systemised approach to student management by crafting a co-created vision for student and classroom management. The importance of adopting an approach that embeds empathy, trauma-informed practices and restorative practices The value of sharing case studies, experiences and perspectives in order to cultivate empathy and understanding How schools can develop creative support systems to ensure that their approach to student and classroom management is a success Why it’s vital to ensure follow-through and a systemised communication process How a positive behaviour approach can help mitigate a lot of the common mistakes and challenges that come with student management   Links and Resources: S2 Episode 1: The Top Mistakes Schools Are Making When Addressing Student Behaviour Challenges with Rob Lans Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/ Student Behaviour Pilot Program: adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/   Get in contact with us to hear about support options for student behaviour and staff wellbeing: Email hello@adriennehornby.com.au Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to a brand new season of the Well-Led Schools Podcast! We’ve got lots planned for 2024, and to kick off our first episode of the year, I sat down with School Principal and Student Behaviour Management expert Rob Lans, who you might remember from season 1.  For this first episode of season 2, we’ve come together to discuss some of the most common mistakes we see schools make when it comes to addressing student behaviour concerns. The reason why it’s so important to be aware of these mistakes (and correct them) is the snowball effect they have on student, staff, teacher and leader wellbeing and overall school culture. This episode is the first part of two, so don’t forget to tune in to episode 2 next week, where we reveal practical solutions to these common mistakes. In this episode, we cover: Why it’s so important to keep our approach current and aligned with what is going on in the world and in the students' lives The importance of reviewing and refining our student behaviour management approach using data What happens when there are communication breakdowns and a lack of follow-up between leaders, teachers and students Why schools should consider using a trauma-informed, empathetic and flexible approach to student behaviour management Why involving the students and allowing them to feel heard is vital to behaviour modification and inspiring change How focusing on positive behaviours is just as important as correcting the “negative” ones Why having the right access to resources is key to helping students learn, change and thrive The effects of having leaders handle student behaviour issues versus the teachers   About Rob Lans: Early in his career as a high school teacher, Rob’s passion for outdoor education found him searching for ways to engage students and build deeper connections through the natural environment. After honing his student management skills in an in-school Student Services role, Rob stepped into the ACT Education Office, where he worked with numerous primary schools, high schools and colleges to support leaders, teachers and staff with student behaviours. Here, he took a diagnostic approach to understanding what students were communicating through their behaviours and worked side-by-side with schools to develop systems and processes for student management. In 2015, Rob transitioned back into schools in the ACT, first as a Deputy Principal and then as a School Principal since 2018.  As an add-on to our Well-Led School Partnership program, Rob is partnering with Adrienne Hornby Consulting to remotely support schools to review, refine and systemise a whole-school approach to behaviour management in order to best address staff wellbeing and school culture.   Links and Resources: Previous episodes with Rob: S1 E2: How A Systemised Focus On Student Behaviour Management Can Improve The Wellbeing Of School Staff With Rob Lans S1 E3:10 Steps To Meaningfully Improve Staff Wellbeing And School Culture In 2023 Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/  Student Behaviour Pilot Program: adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/      Get in contact with us to hear about support options for student behaviour and staff wellbeing:  Email hello@adriennehornby.com.au Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special season finale of the Well-Led Schools podcast, I share some exciting personal and professional updates. I also reflect on the past season, where I share ten key takeaways that every school leader across Australia should embrace. From nurturing trust to optimising workload and understanding the unique challenges faced by our staff, these insights offer a roadmap to create thriving, “well-led” schools. But don't worry, this isn't the end… We're taking a short intermission before returning with even more special guests and enlightening episodes in Season 2. Thank you for joining me throughout Season 1, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Season 2!   Signing off for now, Adrienne Hornby School Wellbeing Consultant   Links and Resources: Reading - The lifecycle of trust in educational leadership: an ecological perspective Reading - Fostering Teacher Professionalism in Schools - The Role of Leadership Orientation and Trust   Well-Led Schools Episodes Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 4: The Influential Power Of A Leader’s Wellbeing On Staff And Students Episode 5: Improve Staff Wellbeing And School Culture With Your Vision With Kate Greeney Episode 6: An Integrative Approach To Addressing Staff Wellbeing In Schools: Introducing The PERMA(H) Model Episode 7: The Guiding Principles For Leading Your School With Wellbeing In Mind With Corey Tavella Episode 12: The Leading Causes Of Workplace Stress And The Top Rated Wellbeing Initiatives Across Australian Schools Episode 21: Practical Ideas For Nurturing Staff Wellbeing In The Age Of Burnout Episode 22: Why You Shouldn’t Introduce New Wellbeing Initiatives Until You’ve Conducted A School Scan Episode 26:  The Hot Debate: Who Is Actually Responsible For Staff Wellbeing? With Adrienne Hornby And Aimee Parkinson Episode 27: Practical Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads Episode 28:The Key Personal Attributes Every Effective Leader Should Master Episode 29: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Building Stronger Relationships, Inspiring Success Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  Email  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In order to be great school leaders, we must possess a mix of skills, both academic and personal. But one of the most essential skills any effective leader should have is emotional intelligence.  As leaders, one of our primary responsibilities is to manage people. Without an awareness of our inner world and that of others and the ability to self-regulate and respond to others with empathy,  it can be challenging to establish relationships built on trust and respect.  As you’ll discover by tuning into this episode, emotional intelligence comprises a subset of six skills, each of which is an essential aspect of becoming a “people person” and a leader that staff are inspired to follow.    In this episode, we cover: What emotional intelligence is Why leaders need to develop theirs The key skills that make up emotional intelligence  Practical strategies to help you improve on each of these essential skills.   Links and Resources: Podcast: The Key Personal Attributes Every Effective Leader Should Master | Episode 28 Blog article: The Key Skills You Should Be Building to Become an Emotionally Intelligent Leader  Blog article: The Most Essential Attributes of an Effective Leader  Big 5 Personality Test Via Character Strengths DISC Personality Test DOPE Bird Personality Type   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 28, I uncover the most essential personal attributes to becoming an effective and inspiring school leader who "leads with wellbeing in mind." Beyond cognitive skills, personal attributes like self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence are essential for navigating the challenges of education and fostering a thriving school culture. As school leaders, it's crucial to adopt a wellbeing-focused approach, putting the needs of our staff first.  By leading with compassion and care, we can inspire and motivate our teams, leading to improved staff wellbeing and student performance outcomes. Tune in to learn about the key attributes that make a difference in educational leadership and discover practical tips for building self-awareness to become a more impactful leader. Let's create a positive and supportive educational environment together!   In this episode, I cover: The significance of a wellbeing-focused approach for leaders The key personal attributes required for effective leadership How leaders can influence staff wellbeing and create a positive school culture Practical ideas to cultivate self-awareness and enhance your leadership skills Links and Resources: Blog article: The Most Essential Personal Attributes of an Effective Leader Blog article: A Functional Approach to Leadership  Blog article: The Key Skills to Become an Emotionally Intelligent Leader   Free personality assessments: Big 5 Personality Test Via Character Strengths DISC Personality Test DOPE Bird Personality Type   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workload continues to be a top stressor for staff in schools across Australia. Yet, reducing workload feels like a daunting task when there are growing staff shortages, when student behaviour is more concerning than ever before, and when departmental directives mean more tasks are added to everybody’s plate.   While it may feel like there is no way around this issue, I want to reassure you there is plenty we can do as leaders to ease the impact of workload for staff.  In this solo episode, I cover: The key factors affecting teacher workload Ways to address our school workload problem Practical solutions to common workload challenges   Links and Resources: Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey packages Download the free PDF guide to Addressing Workload at Your School Blog article: Effective Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads Blog article: The Leading Causes of Workplace Stress for Teachers and School Staff Across Australia Podcast Episode: EP2: How A Systemised Focus On Student Behaviour Management Can Improve The Wellbeing Of School Staff With Rob Lans   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staff wellbeing continues to be a hot topic in education circles but one question that comes up time and time and again is - is staff wellbeing the leaders’ or the staff’s responsibility? And while there are fair points to be made for both sides, the answer remains that it’s a joint responsibility. Leaders, teachers and school staff each have responsibilities to uphold which will ultimately contribute to that collective wellbeing we seek.  In this episode, I am joined once again by fellow school wellbeing consultant and founder of Well-Nest, Aimee Parkinson, where we exchange ideas on the hotly debated topic of staff wellbeing and whose responsibility it ultimately is.   In this episode, we cover: Viewpoints from both sides of the aisle: is it the leaders' or staff’s responsibility? The core responsibilities of leaders The core responsibilities of staff Integrating the joint responsibilities with the PERMA(H) model of wellbeing The importance of clearly communicating roles, responsibilities, and the ‘why’ behind a leader’s actions The value of being open and vulnerable   If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out episode 25 for an in-depth look at Aimee’s experience in this space and her approach to cultivating a culture of wellbeing in schools.    Links and Resources: Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey packages Blog article: The Hot Debate: Who Is Actually Responsible For Teacher And Staff Wellbeing? Blog article: The PERMAH Model for Workplace Wellbeing  Well-Led Schools Episode 25: A Growth Map to Improved Wellbeing in Schools With Aimee Parkinson   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Aimee via:  Her website: Well-Nest Her podcast: The Wonders of Wellbeing LinkedIn   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with fellow school wellbeing consultant Aimee Parkinson where we exchange ideas on our approach to coaching educators hoping to foster a culture of wellbeing at their school.    About Aimee:  After spending over 12 years in the education system as both a school leader and educator, Aimee saw first-hand how well-being easily becomes a low-level priority when other pressing matters demand attention. Along with these experiences, she combined her Masters of Educational Leadership, a Health and Wellness Coaching Professional Certificate and her research conducted through her podcast The Wonders of Wellbeing to create Well-Nest. Aimee's vision is to plant wellbeing at the heart of who schools are and what they do. She aims to support schools that are finding it tremendously difficult to not only support staff wellbeing but to know where to even begin. Well-Nest consulting and coaching services supports school leaders, teachers and administrators by helping individuals and teams take gradual steps towards identifying and addressing the issues affecting wellbeing, both personally and professionally. Through personalised guidance, they provide strategic wellbeing growth maps that break down the process into manageable, actionable steps, ensuring progress is made toward restored wellness.   In this episode, we cover: The four key pillars of wellbeing that Aimee integrates into her coaching approach Common challenges educators are facing when it comes to establishing a culture of wellbeing The importance of addressing not just professional wellbeing, but also personal wellbeing of leaders and staff The steps in Aimee’s “Growth Map” approach How having a vision for wellbeing can act as a motivator and reminder of our purpose   Links and Resources: Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey   Connect with Aimee via:  Her website: Well-Nest Her podcast: The Wonders of Wellbeing LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 24 of the Well-Led Schools podcast I am pulling this conversation from the vault. I was joined on the podcast at the beginning of the year by Rob Lans - school principal and expert on leading schools with wellbeing in mind.  As we roll into the second half of the year, many schools will be focusing on ways to improve staff wellbeing yet, without a carefully planned out and focused approach many will fail to see the results they’re looking for.  The start of the school year (or of a new term) is the best time to reconsider your approach to staff wellbeing so you can kick off the term and year with your best foot forward.  In this episode, we discuss ten steps you can take to better support staff wellbeing and improve school culture.   In this episode we’ll cover: The value of asking your staff about their health and wellbeing and which initiatives they feel would be most supportive The importance of adapting the way we lead our school to support our staff, students and community  Ways to review our approach to staff collaboration, goal setting and professional development Planning effective staff relationship building and collaboration opportunities  Practical ways to address staff health and wellbeing that aren’t seen as tokenistic or surface level    Links and resources   Explore how my services can help you better support staff this year: Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Surveys: https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-wellbeing-surveys/  My 6 Step Approach: https://adriennehornby.com.au/about-6-steps/  Staff Wellbeing Workshops: https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-development-workshops/    Related blog articles  10 Steps to Take This Term to Improve Staff Wellbeing At Your School: https://adriennehornby.com.au/steps-to-improve-staff-wellbeing-at-your-school/  What Is A School Scan Of Wellbeing And Why Does Your School Need To Do One?: https://adriennehornby.com.au/what-is-a-school-scan-of-wellbeing-and-why-your-school-needs-one/  Adopting An Inquiry Approach to Staff Wellbeing and School Culture in Our Schools: https://adriennehornby.com.au/adopting-an-inquiry-approach-to-staff-wellbeing-and-school-culture-in-our-schools/  Re-Building School Culture And Staff Wellbeing Post Lockdown: Six Emerging Themes In The Research: https://adriennehornby.com.au/rebuilding-school-culture-and-staff-wellbeing-post-lockdown/    Additional learning resources and tools Timperley’s Spiral of Inquiry: https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/content/download/74475/611763/file/Spiral%20of%20Inquiry%20Paper%20-%20Timperley%20Kaser%20Halbert.pdf  PLC Maturity Matrix : https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/management/improvement/plcmaturitymatrix.pdf  The Futility of PLC Lite: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295833071_The_futility_of_PLC_lite  Pallet Play: https://www.palletplay.com.au/    Free downloadable tools Teacher Identity Discovery Questions: https://adriennehornby.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Discover-Professional-Identity-.pdf  Leadership evaluation tool: https://mailchi.mp/adriennehornby/leadership-evaluation  Team building ideas: https://mailchi.mp/adriennehornby/teambuilding  Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review in iTunes or on your podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast, I am joined by Michael Sloan, long time educator and the current school principal at Denison College - Kelso Campus in Bathurst, Australia. Mick enrolled his school in the Well-Led Schools Partnership program last year and since then, I’ve seen them make huge strides toward embedding a culture of wellbeing at their school. So far, we’ve ran a school scan, identified areas of focus, engaged his teams in professional development workshops, and set a vision the all school staff can get on board with. Next up, we’ll be working with the leadership team on building rapport and trust in order to have difficult conversations with staff and creating a Wellbeing Action Plan that will set their school up for success now and in the future.    Tune into this episode to discover Why Mick chooses to prioritise wellbeing in his approach to leadership How to get leaders to a place where they’re supporting their people to be the best they can be The importance of communicating the “why” of your leadership decisions and actions What the school scanning process uncovered for the staff of Denison College - Kelso Campus The process and importance of creating a shared vision for your school   About Michael: Michael (Mick) Sloan is the principal of Denison College - Kelso Campus in Bathurst. He spent most of his career in education working in the Bathurst area and surrounds, he takes an interest in building his staff’s capacity and wellbeing to best support the students and community. Michael’s aim is to continuously focus on both staff and student wellbeing and data-informed practice to create a culture of inclusion and connection where learning is valued. In 2022, he was the recipient of a 2022 Harvard Principals Scholarships where he traveled to the Harvard Graduate School of Education to complete a professional education program specifically designed to strengthen the skills of educational leaders.   Links and Resources: Get started with a school scan with our Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey Blog article: What Is A School Scan Of Wellbeing And Why Does Your School Need To Do One? Blog article: Adopting An Inquiry Approach To Staff Wellbeing And School Culture In Our Schools   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Mick Sloan: LinkedIn Check out all the great work they’re doing at Denison College - Kelso High Campus by visiting their school website https://kelso-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/    Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The foundation for problem-solving lies in gaining a thorough understanding of the issue at hand. By delving deep into the problem, we can develop effective solutions that address the root causes rather than merely providing temporary fixes. In this episode, I introduce a concept called the "school scan of wellbeing." This exercise involves examining various pieces of data to uncover valuable insights and shed light on the underlying problems within a school and their potential causes. I cannot stress enough the significance of this initial step before implementing new initiatives aimed at improving staff wellbeing. When we overlook this crucial phase, we often resort to tokenistic measures that lack the power to bring about lasting change. This approach can prove immensely frustrating for both leaders and staff, as it fails to produce tangible, long-term improvements. By prioritising a thorough understanding of the problem through the school scan of wellbeing, we lay the groundwork for meaningful transformations and ensure that our efforts are not in vain.   In this episode, we cover: What a scan is and why we do it The benefits of conducting a school scan How to scan your school  What to do with the information from your school scan Links and Resources: Get started with a school scan with our Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey Learn more about my 6-Step Approach Blog article: What Is A School Scan Of Wellbeing And Why Does Your School Need To Do One? Blog article: Adopting An Inquiry Approach To Staff Wellbeing And School Culture In Our Schools Blog article: The Wellbeing Action Plan: An Essential Tool For Ensuring Staff Wellbeing In The Workplace Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website Linkedin Instagram  EmailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.