If you’ve worked in a school for more than five minutes, you know that stress in education doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic “I can’t do this anymore” moment. More often, it creeps in quietly through the constant rushing, the emotional load of caring for students, the relentless pace and the thousand tiny demands that pile up before you’ve even finished your coffee. 

 

Many educators tell us they’re exhausted, but oddly unable to “switch off.” They’re wired and tired at the same time. And even when they know they need rest, their body won’t cooperate. This isn’t laziness or lack of resilience; it’s physiology. And understanding the difference can be life-changing.

 

In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca McLeish, a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, to explore what it truly means to move beyond surface-level self-care and into genuine self-preservation.

 

Bianca brings a powerful blend of lived experience and evidence-informed practice, drawing from neuroscience, psychology and Positive Education to help educators understand the physiology of stress, recognise the early warning signs and regulate their nervous system in real time. 

 

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between self-care and self-preservation, and why the latter is essential for overwhelmed educators
• Why you can’t think your way out of stress, and the physiological processes driving overwhelm
• A simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) and how it shapes your daily experiences
• What nervous system dysregulation looks and feels like
• How to activate the relaxation response even when your brain still senses threat
• The science behind the stress cycle, why most teachers struggle to complete it, and how to finally close the loop
• Practical ways to mobilise stress energy even if you don’t have time or energy for a workout
• Common reasons why educators find it so hard to relax
• Daily micro-practices to reduce stress during the school day, not just after it

About Bianca:

Bianca McLeish is a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience across Australia and the UK. Her journey into educator wellbeing began after experiencing burnout herself - a turning point that led her to explore the science behind stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing.

 

Drawing on a Master of Education in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bianca blends neuroscience, psychology, Positive Education and lived experience to help teachers regulate stress, restore balance and reconnect with their purpose. As the founder of The Teacher Wellbeing Academy and author of Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free From Survival Mode Before Burnout, she offers compassionate, evidence-informed strategies that support both individual educators and whole-school communities to thrive. 

 

Her mission is to help educators move beyond surface-level self–care and build genuine, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nervous system regulation, practical tools and the belief that teachers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered. 

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Get Bianca’s Book: Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free from Burnout: A Research-Based Guide for Real Teachers

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Biance via:

Website: https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271

Facebook: The Teacher Wellbeing Academy

Instagram: @theteacherwellbeingacademy

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all experienced it to some degree…the racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness and that fleeting sense of losing control. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jodi Richardson to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in both our personal and professional lives: anxiety.

 

As educators, we’re no strangers to it. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the emotional load we carry for our students and the never-ending to-do lists can keep our nervous system switched “on” far longer than is healthy. Over time, that chronic activation can blur the line between stress, anxiety and burnout - a pattern I know I’ve experienced myself. That’s why this conversation with Jodi is such an important one.

 

In this episode, we cover:

• What anxiety is, and isn’t, and why it’s not always a disorder
• How anxiety shows up in our lives: the thoughts, emotions and behaviours others may not see
• The hidden cost of masking anxiety at work and how it fuels exhaustion and disconnection
• How the nervous system operates 
• Practical, evidence-based ways to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself back to calm, even in the middle of a busy school day

 

Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or simply someone who’s been running on adrenaline for too long, this episode will help you understand your anxiety in a new light and remind you that it’s not something to fear, but something to work with. 

 

About Jodi:

Dr. Jodi Richardson is an author, speaker, and educator who specialises in helping people understand and manage anxiety, regulate their nervous system, and build practical strategies for thriving at school and beyond. With a background in education, wellbeing science, and clinical practice, as well as lived experience with anxiety, Jodi brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Through her books, speaking engagements, and her own podcast, ‘Well, Hello Anxiety,’ she equips individuals, schools, and workplaces with evidence-based tools to support mental health and create environments where people can flourish.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Jodi via:

Her website: drjodirichardson.com 

Her podcast: Well, Hello Anxiety

Get her anxiety toolkit for anxious children and teens here

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a school’s vision isn’t clear, or worse, when it exists only as words on a website, it can leave staff feeling directionless, disconnected and unsure how their daily work contributes to something bigger. 

 

Without that shared sense of purpose, culture fragments, wellbeing suffers and strategic plans lose their impact. 

 

In this episode, I sit down with James Clanfield, former school leader turned digital strategist and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing, to explore how schools can craft and live a vision that truly unites their community. Together, we unpack how a meaningful vision guides both strategy and wellbeing, what it looks like when wellbeing sits at the heart of that vision, and how James’ CAMPUS Method helps leaders align their vision with everyday actions and communications. 

 

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of having an established school vision to guide school strategy and staff wellbeing
• How a vision for wellbeing should connect with and reinforce the overarching school vision
• James’ CAMPUS method for aligning vision to actions and internal and external communications
• Common mistakes schools make when creating and communicating their vision or strategic plans, and how to avoid them
• Strategies for keeping the vision front and centre to ensure commitment and buy-in by all members of the school community
• Effective ways schools are using their vision to support wellbeing and culture

About James:

James Clanfield is a former Deputy and Head of Academics and Pastoral Care turned digital strategist, speaker, and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing. He helps schools and education providers grow with clarity using his signature CAMPUS™ Method — a complete marketing and communications strategy designed specifically for the education sector.

 

James combines real educational leadership insight with strategic execution, offering hands-on support across brand messaging, social media, enrolments, and digital content. Through his content, coaching, and agency work, he empowers leaders and educators to communicate with purpose, lead with vision, and show up with confidence in an increasingly competitive space.

 

When he’s not building campaigns or attending events, James homeschools his five kids, currently runs his business remotely from Southeast Asia, and works alongside his wife to help educators thrive beyond the classroom.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with James via:

His website: https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation 

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield 

Instagram:@jamesclanfield  

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading a school is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can have — but it can also feel like one of the hardest. Every day, school leaders are pulled between the demands of strategy, staff, students, and their own wellbeing. It often feels like spinning plates, where the slightest wobble in one area impacts everything else. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving your all yet still wondering how to keep up, you’re not alone.

 

That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Pete Stebbins to the podcast. Pete is a workplace psychologist, leadership coach, and co-author of the soon-to-be-released book Lead: 12 Extraordinary, Actionable Insights for Every School Leader. He has spent years walking alongside school leaders, distilling the practices that help them move from surviving to truly thriving in their roles.

 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why traditional leadership models don’t always fit a school setting, and what extraordinary leaders do instead. 
• The three plates of leadership (strategic responsibilities, supportive responsibilities, and self-leadership) and how to balance them.
• How changing demands and workforce pressures are reshaping school leadership.
• The “seasons of leadership” and how to adapt your focus over time.
• Practical ways to strengthen strategy with systems, visibility, and tracking.
• Supportive leadership as more than “warm fuzzies”, tackling workload and capacity head-on.
• Self-leadership essentials: managing energy, belonging and resilience.
• Using vulnerability narratives to navigate tough conversations with care and accountability.
• Pete’s simple practice of focusing on three daily priorities for clarity and impact.

 

About Pete:

Dr. Pete Stebbins, PhD, is a Workplace Psychologist and executive coach, focusing on school leadership development and school improvement. He is the author of the best-selling books: ‘Leading Flourishing Schools’ and ‘iTeams: Why High Performance Teams Fit In AND Stand Out!’. Pete has many years of research and professional practice behind him and is the director of the High Performance Schools Program. His work in this space has reached 16 Countries, impacting more than 600 Schools, and over 5,500 School Leaders and their staff. Pete’s professional passions are developing high-performance teams and building high-capacity school culture.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Check out Dr. Pete Stebbin’s latest book: Lead: 12 Extraordinary Actionable Insights for Every School Leader

Check out his other books here

High Performance Resources: https://www.hptschools.com/tools 

 

Relevant articles and podcast episodes:

• The Secret Recipe for Motivating Your Staff to Implement Change in The Workplace
• How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins
• The Lippit Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change

 

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 Pete via:

His websites: www.hptschools.com/ and www.drpetestebbins.com/ 

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pete-stebbins-4a29177/ 

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Educators are no strangers to overwhelming workloads. From endless lesson planning and admin to keeping up with emails and data collection, the job can often feel never-ending. Add to that the constant stream of headlines about teacher burnout, and it’s no wonder many staff feel stuck in a cycle of stress and exhaustion. But what if we could shift the narrative and the day-to-day reality by using new tools in smarter, more intentional ways?

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about innovations right now. Much of the conversation has centered on how students might use (or misuse) AI, but there’s an equally important question we need to ask: how can AI help teachers and leaders manage their workload, reclaim time, and support staff wellbeing?

 

In this episode, I am joined by Amy Green, thriving strategist, speaker, educator, author and founder of The Wellness Strategy. Amy shares her practical insights on how schools can embrace AI thoughtfully to lighten the load, improve collaboration and create space for genuine wellbeing practices to flourish. 

 

In this episode, we cover:

• How AI can be a“team member” to streamline planning, emails, meeting notes and admin
• Practical examples of AI reducing repetitive tasks so teachers can focus on collaboration and creativity
• The importance of using AI with discernment, debate and discussion, not as a replacement, but as an accelerator
• How schools can identify unique workload pain points and explore AI as a strategic solution
• The mindset and skills educators need to use AI effectively and responsibly
• How saving time with AI can be reframed as an opportunity to prioritise wellbeing, not add more work

 

About Amy:

Amy Green is a thriving strategist, speaker, author and educator who is reshaping the way we think about working and living well. After experiencing chronic stress and professional burnout firsthand, Amy committed to rethinking how schools and workplaces approach wellbeing. Through her organisation, The Wellness Strategy, she helps leaders and teams embrace innovative, sustainable practices that cultivate resilience, productivity, and engagement. 

 

Drawing on her background in teaching, leadership, coaching, and positive psychology, Amy equips individuals and organisations to redesign their work in ways that allow people to truly flourish. With both lived experience and deep expertise, she brings a powerful mix of insight, compassion, and strategy to her mission of creating environments where educators and teams can thrive.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/books-and-resources 

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Amy via:

Her website: www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au 

Instagram: @amy_._green

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amygreen/ 

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When was the last time your school really paused to consider what it means for staff to thrive, not just survive? 

 

Many wellbeing initiatives in schools focus on quick fixes, such as morning teams, yoga sessions, or casual “wellbeing weeks,” which offer temporary boosts but don’t create lasting change.

 

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Oberthur, retired primary school principal and educational consultant, to explore a more sustainable approach: shifting from individualised wellbeing strategies to strategies for wellbeing - cultural practices and systems that genuinely support staff, reduce stress and foster collaboration. Andrew shares insights from his decades of experience leading schools and his work helping leaders design environments where teachers and staff can flourish.

 

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between “wellbeing strategies” (short-term, individualised fixes) and “strategies for wellbeing” (cultural, systemic approaches that benefit all staff)
• Practical approaches like the Right to Disconnect, joint determination and the “pruning cycle” for managing initiatives and workload
• How effective team structures, role clarity and collaboration build a culture of trust and sustainable wellbeing
• The 6 Team Conditions framework for creating high-performing, well-supported teams in schools
• How generational shifts in the workforce are changing what staff expect from school cultures
• Strategies for long-term teacher and staff longevity, including managing parent expectations and realistic workloads

 

Whether you’re a school leader, administrator, or teacher seeking practical ways to build a more supportive and sustainable school environment, this conversation provides actionable insights that extend far beyond the usual morale boosters. 

 

About Andrew:

Andrew Oberthur is an experienced educator and consultant with over 37 years of teaching and leadership experience in Brisbane primary schools, including 24 years as a principal. Now retired from school leadership, he shares his expertise to help teachers and school leaders sustain their wellbeing, manage workloads and thrive in the profession long-term.

 

Andrew is the author of three books, a regular contributor to Teachers Matter magazine in New Zealand, and a sought-after presenter on building effective teams, applying the 6 Team Conditions framework, and fostering strong school-parent relationships. He is passionate about creating cultures of trust, collaboration and inquiry, with a particular interest in inclusive education for children with diverse learning needs.

 

Through this work, Andrew equips schools with practical strategies for wellbeing, promotes positive professional relationships and champions the importance of parents and teachers working together to maximise children’s learning and development. 

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Staff Wellbeing Survey packages

Read Andrew’s article that inspired today’s conversation: 

Well-Being Strategies V Strategies for Well-Being

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Andrew via:

His website: https://creativecollaborativesolutions.au/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberthur-910196162/ 

Email: [email protected]  

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tim Sharp, also known as “Dr. Happy”, to explore how positive psychology can transform the way schools approach staff wellbeing. Together, we unpack what truly drives happiness and resilience at work, from small daily habits to creating cultures of laughter, connection and psychological safety. Tim also shares how leaders can strike a balance between optimism and honesty, helping their teams feel supported even through challenges.

 

In this episode, we cover:

• How traditional Psychology differs from Positive Psychology
• A deeper look into Dr Tim’s audiobook ‘Habits for Happiness at Work’, and what inspired this framework
• What the habits for happiness are, and how they can be used by professionals in their everyday work environment
• How to practice optimism in a practical and realistic way
• The most important habits leaders should adopt and embed in their leadership to positively influence staff
• How to adopt the habits for happiness without adding more to your plate. Hint: It’s all about mindset!

 

About Tim

Dr. Tim Sharp, fondly known as Dr. Happy, is one of Australia’s leading voices in positive psychology, mental health and wellbeing. With three degrees in psychology, including a PhD, Tim has built an extraordinary career spanning clinical practice, academia, executive coaching, and corporate consulting. He is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation dedicated solely to enhancing happiness in individuals, schools and workplaces.

 

As a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and podcaster, Tim has worked with everyone from schools and small teams to global organisations like Twitter, Coles, and Telstra. His books and Audible audiobooks, including Habits for Happiness at Work, provide practical tools for building resilience, positive culture and lasting wellbeing. With warmth, humour, and research-backed strategies, Tim helps people understand that happiness is not just about feeling good, but also doing good.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership program

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Tim via:

His website: https://drhappy.com.au/ 

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

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I unpack the latest research, national survey data and emerging trends shaping the state of teacher wellbeing in 2025. Drawing on insights from thousands of educators across more than 60 Australian schools, I explore what’s really impacting teacher wellbeing.

 

You’ll learn why teachers are calling for more than resilience training and system reform; they’re asking for shifts in how schools operate on a day-to-day basis. From leadership practices to staff communication, professional support to school culture, I break down the patterns we can’t ignore, and the actions schools can take right now to build environments where staff and students thrive. 

 

In this episode, I cover:

• A snapshot of the current state of teacher wellbeing in Australia
• Key stressors and risk factors impacting teacher wellbeing
• The ripple effects of poor teacher wellbeing on students, schools and the community
• Data insights from our teacher wellbeing surveys across 60+ schools
• What teachers themselves say they need to feel supported, valued and well
• Evidence-based strategies and school-wide initiatives that work
• How schools can take a strategic, data-informed approach to staff and teacher wellbeing

 

Links and Resources:

Read the full State of Teacher Wellbeing article

Download the PDF report

Explore our Staff Wellbeing Surveys

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt awkward accepting a compliment or unsure how to show genuine appreciation to someone on your team without it feeling forced? In busy school environments, appreciation often gets reduced to coffee carts and morning teas. While well-intentioned, these gestures don’t always land in the way we hope. Many educators still walk away feeling unseen, undervalued, or even uncomfortable with recognition. So what gives?

 

In this episode, I chat with Daniela Falecki, an international speaker, coach, and founder of Teacher Wellbeing, to unpack what she calls The Appreciation Paradox. Drawing on decades of experience in education and the fields of Positive and Coaching Psychology, Daniela shares why meaningful appreciation is a wellbeing essential, not a fluffy extra. Together, we explore how schools can move beyond performative gestures to create a culture where staff feel truly seen, valued and motivated to keep showing up with heart. 

 

In this episode, we cover:

• The concept of the Appreciation Paradox and why educators deeply crave appreciation but often struggle to receive it or recognise it
• Why typical “rewards” like coffee carts or morning teas often miss the mark when it comes to meaningful appreciation
• The importance of having deeper, more personalised conversations about what appreciation looks and feels like for individuals
• The difference between recognition and appreciation, and why both are necessary in schools
• How appreciation ties into burnout prevention, workplace connection and motivation
• Common cultural barriers in schools that make appreciation feel like “lip service” or inauthentic
• Why vulnerability matters in leadership, and how to model it in a professional way
• How appreciation preferences differ, drawing on “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”
• The importance of coaching-style leadership and better questioning to create deeper, more human conversations

 

About Daniela

Daniela Falecki, founder of Teacher Wellbeing, is an international speaker, author, and the “keep-it-real” teacher, known for her high-energy, engaging presentations that leave audiences laughing and thinking. With over 25 years of experience in Australian schools and a background in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, Daniela empowers educators globally to enhance their wellbeing. She holds a Master’s in Education (Leadership) and has lectured at the University of Sydney, where she was named Lecturer of the Year in 2014. A licensed Mental Toughness practitioner and Executive Coach, Daniela is committed to supporting educators in thriving both personally and professionally.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

 

Free resources, publications and podcasts

www.teacher-wellbeing.com.au/resources

- Download a free eBook, “Foundations of Teacher Wellbeing”

- Join the newsletter list for fortnightly insights

 

Shop for card games and books

https://ppj18g-cz.myshopify.com/ 

 

Connect with Daniela via:

Her website: www.teacher-wellbeing.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-falecki-76690325/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/teacherwellbeing/  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teacherwellbeing/  

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many schools face a common challenge: how to cultivate staff wellbeing and build a thriving culture amid fragmented efforts and wellbeing initiatives that often fall short or don’t last. Leaders want teams that feel connected, supported and energised, because when staff wellbeing flourishes, students benefit too, and the whole school community thrives. Yet, creating this kind of cohesive, sustainable wellbeing culture is far from straightforward.

 

In this episode, we welcome back David Kolpak, Principal at Trinity College North School and Visible Wellbeing Facilitator, with Professor Lee Waters. With over 30 years of education experience, David is a passionate advocate for whole-school wellbeing rooted in positive psychology and tailored to each school’s unique context. Drawing on his new book Thriving Together and years of national and international speaking, David shares powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering growth mindsets, and embedding wellbeing in everyday school life. Together, we explore practical strategies and mindsets that help schools move beyond short-term fixes toward thriving communities. 

 

In this episode, we cover:

• How positive psychology shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s strong, balancing challenges with strengths and everyday moments of joy
• Using staff wellbeing audits and appreciative inquiry to identify strengths, gaps and next steps
• Why effective wellbeing approaches must be context-driven, collaborative and embedded into everyday school life
• Designing systems that integrate wellbeing into the school’s core operations rather than treat it as an add-on or one-off initiative
• Building real-life resilience in staff and students by normalising setbacks and fostering emotional authenticity and shifting from rescuing to coaching
• How to foster a coaching culture built on trust, where feedback is safe, purposeful and focused on growth for both staff and students
• Helping staff focus on what they can control by owning emotional responses and validating challenges
• How schools can sustain wellbeing efforts through intentional rituals, routines and systems that promote reflection, celebration and consistent practice.

About David

David Kolpak (MEd, BEd, BTeach) is the Principal of Trinity College North in Adelaide (EY–10), a role he has held for six years. With over 30 years of experience in education and leadership, David is a respected advocate for Positive Education and whole-school wellbeing. He has led the design and delivery of Positive Education programs spanning early years to Year 10, embedding positive psychology principles across curriculum and school culture.

 

David is an experienced national and international speaker, having presented at conferences such as the Positive Education Schools Association, the Positive Schools Conference, and the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress. A Visible Wellbeing Facilitator with Professor Lea Waters, David recently published his book Thriving Together, offering schools a practical blueprint for fostering flourishing learning communities through wellbeing and entrepreneurial mindsets. He is passionate about empowering students and staff to co-create positive environments that sustain wellbeing and growth.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Listen to S1. Ep.10 with David Kolpak: Adopting a Positive and Nurturing Approach to Improving Staff Wellbeing with David Kolpak

Read David’s new book: Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and 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 David via:

His website: www.davidkolpak.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolpak-4932a6119/?originalSubdomain=au 

 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.