EdLeaders Australia

Luke Callier and Mathew Irving
EdLeaders Australia

This is the podcast for Aspiring, Middle and Senior Leaders in Education. Each week we dive into a topic to talk leadership, strategy, culture and the business of K-12 education to define what success looks like in an educational setting in the 2020's and beyond. Our mission for the podcast is to create the best free professional learning on the internet for school leaders. Hosted by Mat Irving and Luke Callier. Covering school leadership, education leadership, school leaders, principals.

  1. 16 HR AGO

    E108 | Principal Conversations with Lorna Beegan

    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.

    1h 9m
  2. 29 OCT

    E107 | The Connection Curriculum with Matt Pitman

    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: (02:033)Matt's journey in education: from gap year in UK to various roles in Catholic, government, and independent schools (04:30)Matt's focus on building community and relationships with students and parents (07:11)Global Village Learning for personalized learning approach (08:11) Matt's book: 'The Connection Curriculum' (20:25) Focus on practical application of research in education (22:28) Book structure: first three chapters research-heavy, later chapters more personal voice (25:12) Importance of belonging and relationships in schools (27:10)Importance of involving parents in educational journey (28:29)Shift from traditional control to partnership in education (31:23)Importance of allowing disagreement and critical feedback (45:37)Need to involve all community members in school decision-making (38:12)Addressing 'bored' students and staff as an opportunity for growth (41:11)Need to flip traditional leadership pyramid (47:39)Importance of co-creation and partnership in decision-making (51:01) Six quick-fire questions on education topics (56:32)Emphasis on moving past rhetoric to action in leadership 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.

    59 min
  3. 15 OCT

    E106 | Rethinking Digital Wellbeing in Education with Dr. Kristy Goodwin

    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: (01:36) How digital technologies impact children’s neurobiology. (02:24) r. Goodwin's  book "Raising Your Child in a Digital World" was inspired by advice on screen time for her baby. (05:07) Research indicates technology affects both children and adults, influencing distraction and productivity. (09:58) Digital habits contribute to teacher burnout and add micro-stresses. (12:12) Digital overuse impacts stress levels, worsening burnout. (18:07) Schools should set digital boundaries to foster a healthier work environment. (19:51) Importance of microhabits: small changes, like 1% adjustments, can yield big results. (20:40) Reframe recovery as essential for peak performance, comparing it to race car pit stops. (21:25) Prioritize breaks and sleep to boost productivity and focus. (22:04) Work with your human operating system. (24:22) Focus quotient (FQ) is the key 21st-century skill, surpassing IQ and EQ. (25:59) Morning sunlight helps alertness and sleep by activating the hypothalamus and boosting melatonin. (29:34) Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is a 10-minute technique that enhances focus and mood without disrupting sleep. (32:21) Dr. Goodwin's COVID experience and how it motivated her to use wearable tech. (35:09) The use of Whoop to track lifestyle changes' impact on health. (37:17) The potential of using wearables in schools to monitor staff and student wellbeing. (37:52) Stress can be beneficial if viewed positively. (40:32) Clear digital boundaries in education and purposeful data collection using AI. (41:32) Dr. Goodwin recommends the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown 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.

    43 min
  4. 1 OCT

    E105 | ScotsX with Dr. Hugh Chilton of The Scots College

    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: (02:15) Dr. Hugh Chilton's background and his unexpected journey into teaching. (05:40) The importance of serving as a leader and supporting teachers. (09:30) Emphasizing curiosity and questioning as vital leadership traits. (12:45) Building a culture of continuous learning and development within schools. (15:00) Dr. Chilton’s views on fostering teacher growth and innovation. (18:20) The significance of “thinking time” in educational leadership. (21:00) The role of leaders in shaping educational environments.   (21:17) The approach to research and professional learning at Scots  (32:02) The five focus areas for research at Scots (32:02) ScotsX Program  (42:55) The experiential learning component (X Day) and high table lunches (43:25) Four key areas of measurement for ScotsX (45:52) Aim to expand Scotts X principles to all students (58:36) Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations  (01:01:07)Rapid-Fire Questions 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.

    1h 7m
  5. 16 SEPT

    E104 | Principal Conversations with Dr. Marie Perry, Principal of Ipswich Junior Grammar School

    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: (01:59) Dr. Perry’s journey into education influenced by her grandparents. (03:18) Impact of early mentor Joanne Howard on Dr. Perry’s career. (04:57) Importance of seizing opportunities and staying proactive in career development. (08:15) Value of mentorship from professionals outside education, such as Diane Smith Gander and Suzanne Ricks. (14:27) Differences between CEO and chief educational officer roles in independent schools. (19:10) Leadership confidence and team dynamics in a new role. (20:08) The gap between expectations and reality when starting as a principal. (21:04) The need for transparency in school reports for new principals. (24:15) Understanding staff perspectives to identify and address issues quickly. (25:01) The role of ongoing education in enhancing leadership skills. (27:40) The impact of doctoral research on understanding student social media use. (29:19) Tips for balancing work and study commitments. (32:27) Challenges with school finances and the importance of strong financial training. (35:39) The impact of sleep on leadership and strategies for improving it. (40:33)Dr. Perry's note-taking and organizational strategies. (45:22) The impact of working with an executive coach. (55:14) Dr. Perry predicts future changes in education and criticizes the “21st century learning” narrative. (57:45) Dr. Perry recommends the book "Teaching for Tomorrow" by Michael McLean. 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.

    1h 2m
  6. 2 SEPT

    E103 | The Evolving Role of Community Engagement and Philanthropy in Independent Schools: Insights from Myfanwy Stanfield

    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.

    1h 4m
  7. 20 AUG

    E102 | Insights from PARED Leadership with Trent Thomas, Principal at Lysterfield Lake College

    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: (01:30) Trent's journey from science and finance to education. (04:12) Comparison between corporate life and early teaching years. (05:56) Trent describes his journey from teaching to becoming a headmaster, including different school environments. (08:24) Trent compares the development stages of schools to human life stages. (13:46) Trent's approach to concise communication, influenced by his corporate background. (16:28) Establishing a clear vision and the value of one-on-one meetings with staff and their impact (19:07) Overview of Lysterfield Lake College’s unique model emphasizing parents first, then teachers, and finally students. (22:21) The "apared" model’s unique expectations for parents and staff, noting differences from average schools. (22:50) How the model involves significant parent-teacher collaboration and support, with adjustments to staff schedules to accommodate parent meetings. (24:42) Trent Thomas discusses mentoring roles for teachers and the value of different age perspectives in these interactions. (27:50) The importance of parent commitment and the school’s approach to parent involvement and well-being. (29:17) The origins of the "apared" model and its global presence, emphasizing the role of parental responsibility. (35:03) The follow-up process for non-attending parents and how the school maintains standards. (38:15) Trent's hands-on approach to family interviews to ensure alignment with the school’s values and expectations. (41:20) The shift from traditional marketing to leveraging positive word-of-mouth from satisfied families. (43:09) Importance of defining and delivering on the school’s brand promise. (43:51) Key criteria: being big-hearted, having a universal outlook, and commitment to self-improvement. (44:38) Repeating the school’s mantra helps align everyone with the mission. (45:02) Importance of questions like “What does it mean to be a good dad?” in guiding the school’s mission. (45:50) Challenges and rewards of starting a school from scratch. (46:45) Advice for New Schools  (48:26) Difficulties with councils and logistics, such as moving students off-site. (50:56) Importance of a grassroots approach for scaling the school model. (57:17) Potential trends: more explicit teaching and better support for parents. (59:22) Quick insights on educational topics, books, and advice. 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: 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.

    56 min

About

This is the podcast for Aspiring, Middle and Senior Leaders in Education. Each week we dive into a topic to talk leadership, strategy, culture and the business of K-12 education to define what success looks like in an educational setting in the 2020's and beyond. Our mission for the podcast is to create the best free professional learning on the internet for school leaders. Hosted by Mat Irving and Luke Callier. Covering school leadership, education leadership, school leaders, principals.

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