In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Mathew Irving sit down with Matt Estermann, the dynamic Director of Innovation and Partnership at Our Lady of Mercy College. With a career that spans a love for ideas, tech-savvy solutions, and a healthy dose of "let's try this and see if it works," Matt unpacks what it really means to innovate in the education sector.

From his early days as a history teacher to becoming a leader in school innovation, Matt shares the power of storytelling and compelling reasons in overcoming resistance to change. He dives into the transformative role of AI in education, exploring how it can act as a personal assistant to educators and students while highlighting the need for thoughtful implementation.

Matt touches on the evolving responsibilities of school leaders, the value of postgraduate studies, and practical insights from his co-authored book on AI and education. Together, they explore the future of education, curriculum innovation, and the importance of building authentic professional networks. Matt also reveals his vision for establishing a new school network in New South Wales.

Ready to rethink the way schools innovate? Tune in now and join the conversation! 

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Guest Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesterman/?originalSubdomain=au

Special thanks to our partners:

Other sponsors if we have them.

Sign up to the Edleaders Newsletter: Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Mathew Irving sit down with Stephen Holmes, founder of The 5Rs Partnership, a global strategy consultancy for schools and universities. Stephen brings his wealth of experience—from navigating the quirks of school leadership to redefining reputation management in education.

They discuss why schools need to stop being "vanilla," the secret sauce behind building reputation, and how facilities alone won't win the hearts of discerning parents. Stephen offers practical insights into strategic planning, aligning school culture with long-term goals, and managing the ever-evolving expectations of today’s "investor-like" parents.

Tune in for a no-nonsense conversation packed with real-world advice and a side of wit that will leave school leaders thinking differently about their approach to reputation and strategy.

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Guest Links:

Website: https://5rspartnership.com/ 

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Mathew Irving are joined by Chris Duncan, CEO of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA). Chris shares his extensive experience in education leadership, including his pivotal role in transitioning Pulteney Grammar to co-education and serving as principal at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School for a decade.  

They discuss the evolving challenges of school leadership, including managing governance, risk, and community expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of values-based education, effective change management, and building strong board relationships. He also highlights the growing need for ethical leadership, neuroscience-informed teaching practices, and fostering civility within school communities.  

Listen now for actionable insights into effective school leadership, and visit AHISA’s website or connect with the Ed Leaders team on LinkedIn for updates and resources.

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.ahisa.edu.au/

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Mathew Irving sit down with Lorna Beegan, the first-year principal at Strathcona Girls Grammar School, to dive into her transformative journey in K-12 education leadership. Lorna shares her extensive experience, from her early passion for teaching in Perth to leadership roles at St. Hilda’s and Perth College, culminating in her current role at Strathcona. Together, they discuss the power of authenticity, the challenges and rewards of all-girls education, and the need for innovative learning environments. Listeners will gain insights into how Lorna fosters a high-performing, empathetic culture at Strathcona, her commitment to personalized learning, and the unique benefits of a "Goldilocks-sized" school. Lorna also shares her vision for the future of education, emphasizing collaboration between schools, universities, and businesses and the potential for school structures to evolve with students' needs. They wrap up with rapid-fire questions on career inspiration, storytelling in teaching, and a hopeful call for future generations to consider careers in education.

Tune in to hear Lorna’s inspiring perspective, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the follow-up episode on her journey in a decade.

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Guest Links:Website: https://www.strathcona.vic.edu.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-beegan-21ced/?originalSubdomain=au

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, hosts Luke Callier and Mathew Irveng sit down with Matt Pitman, the senior program lead at Global Village Learning and author of The Connection Curriculum, to explore the importance of building strong community ties and fostering relationships in education. Matt shares his journey from teacher to leader, discusses his work with Global Village Learning, and offers actionable strategies for increasing student engagement and ownership in learning. They dive into the challenges of the current education system, critiquing passive participation and emphasizing the need for shared decision-making among all school stakeholders. The conversation touches on ways to transform school leadership, with Matt advocating for breaking down silos and flipping traditional leadership models to create more inclusive environments. The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions, offering insights on educational narratives and resources for professional development.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that inspires educators to rethink leadership and community in schools!

Tune in now!

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Guest Links:

Website:mattpitman.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattlukepitman

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier sits down with Dr. Kristy Goodwin, a leading expert in digital well-being and productivity. Together, they explore the profound effects of technology on the brains, stress levels, and overall well-being of both children and adults. Dr. Goodwin shares her journey from teaching to researching the impact of digital habits on mental health, highlighting how unmanaged technology use can lead to burnout and stress, particularly in educational settings.

Dr. Goodwin advocates for intentional and healthy digital practices at individual and institutional levels, emphasizing the need for clear "digital guardrails" to create sustainable work environments, especially in schools. She introduces the concept of "microhabits" for optimizing human performance and discusses three key pillars of well-being: reframing rest, understanding brain rhythms, and cultivating focus.

Gain practical tips for enhancing well-being and performance, such as harnessing morning sunlight, engaging in deliberate cold exposure, and practicing Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR). Dr. Goodwin also shares her personal experiences with health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and her exploration of wearable technology like the Whoop and Aura Ring as tools for well-being enhancement.

Tune in now!

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier -⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠⁠

Mathew Irving -⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/⁠ 
Guest Links:

Website: https://drkristygoodwin.com/about/ 

Instagram: @drkristy

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Matthew Irving sit down with Dr. Hugh Chilton from The Scots College to explore transformative leadership and innovative strategies in K-12 education. Dr. Chilton shares his remarkable journey from avoiding a teaching career to becoming an influential leader in education. He underscores the vital role of leadership, curiosity, and questioning in fostering effective learning environments.

Dr. Chilton’s groundbreaking initiative, "ScotsX," designed to revolutionize the educational experience for middle school students, particularly in Year 8. This innovative program prioritizes personalized, rigorous, and real-world learning experiences, aiming to build deeper relationships and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration outside the classroom.

Dr. Chilton also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and evidence-based results in shifting mindsets among educators, students, and parents. He discusses the challenges of scaling such initiatives and advocates for a collaborative approach to education that prioritizes relational and experiential learning.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional educational practices and highlights the potential of philanthropy in supporting innovative programs.

Tune in now! 

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Guest Links:Website: https://scots.college/ 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughchilton/

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier sits down with Dr. Marie Perry, the Principal of Ipswich Junior Grammar School, who brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership. Dr. Perry shares her inspiring journey into education, reflecting on the early influences and values that shaped her career.

Dr. Perry shares her extensive leadership experiences, including lessons learned from mentors, the challenges of balancing educational leadership with the business aspects of running independent schools, and strategies for navigating new principal roles. She highlights the importance of board involvement, building effective teams, and the need for transparency and continuous learning. Insights into managing stress, setting personal boundaries, and balancing administrative tasks with long-term strategic thinking are also shared.

Don’t miss this enlightening discussion packed with actionable insights for educators and leaders alike. Tune in now

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Dr. Marie Perry - www.linkedin.com/

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Matthew Irving sit down with Myfanwy Stanfield, Director of Community Engagement at Ascham School, to explore the evolving role of community engagement and advancement in independent schools across Australia. Myfanwy shares her unique journey from the arts industry to education, highlighting the strategic importance of storytelling, relationship-building, and marketing in modern schooling.

Discover how the role of community engagement has shifted, the challenges of balancing operational and strategic tasks, and the vital need to foster a sense of belonging within school communities. Myfanwy also delves into effective marketing strategies for smaller institutions with limited budgets and the crucial role of philanthropy in enhancing a school’s offerings beyond basic operations. 

Learn about the distinctions between philanthropy and fundraising, and why a comprehensive "giving strategy" is essential for long-term success. They also touch on the impact of gender in philanthropy, the evolving landscape of school advancement, and the value of professional networks like Educate Plus. Tune in to gain  more valuable insights!

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/

Adrian Camm - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/

Special thanks to our partners:

People Bench - https://peoplebench.com.au/

Paperly - https://paperly.education/

Head on over to edleaders.com.au to hear more about our journey. If you'd like to know more about being a guest or would like to sponsor our show - check out https://www.edleaders.com.au/collabs

As always if you have questions, feedback, or a suggestion from a leader you'd like to hear from - send us a message! Please remember if you have a spare minute, please leave us a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player which will help more like-minded school leaders discover us.

Go Well.

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Matthew Irving are joined by Trent Thomas, the founding headmaster of Lysterfield Lake College, an all-boys school in Melbourne. Trent shares his unique transition from the corporate world to education, offering valuable insights into school leadership, strategy, and culture. 

Discover the "apared" educational model that prioritizes strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and students, and how it shapes the school’s vibrant culture and enhances student outcomes. Trent also discusses the importance of clear communication, mission alignment, and mentorship in fostering an engaging educational environment.Tune innow!

Highlights:

You can also connect with us personally at LinkedIn:

Luke Callier - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljcallier/⁠

Mathew Irving - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-irving-b6b91430/ 

Trent Thomas Links:Website: https://www.lysterfieldlake.vic.edu.au/

Special thanks to our partners: