From The Leadership Greenhouse
Dreaming Boldly, Move Intentionally: Exploring the Role of Staff Collaboration in Sustainable School Transformation
Over the past year, a dedicated group of staff were invited to engage in a professional development opportunity led by Chris Sanders and Steve Coote known as The Leadership Greenhouse as part of the school’s Strategic Transformation Project. This partnership focuses on building leadership capacity at every level and helping us shape a shared vision for a thriving school community. Through collaborative workshops, deep reflection, and open dialogue, the team has surfaced some powerful insights that are influencing how we move towards a shared vision as a School.
Staff shared the following key takeaways from their work so far:
Empowering Change from the Ground Up Staff emphasised that meaningful, lasting change begins with those closest to our students; teachers, support staff, and families. By creating opportunities for agency and ownership, we ensure that transformation is relevant, authentic, and sustainable. This principle encourages everyone to be a leader in their own space, with a focus on student outcomes and community impact.
Building Trust and Safe Spaces for Growth Teams are most effective when individuals feel safe to take risks, try new approaches, and learn from mistakes. Trust-building and open communication were highlighted as essential to creating environments where innovation and professional growth can flourish.
Collaboration and Collective Vision Staff reflected on the power of coming together around shared goals. Lateral learning, where staff learn from one another, and unified narratives help build momentum. When we collaborate across roles and year levels, we reinforce a collective purpose and align our actions with the school’s broader vision.
Intentional and Adaptive Practice Change must be purposeful. Staff noted the importance of being intentional in how we implement strategies, while also staying flexible and adaptive when challenges arise. Recognising barriers is part of the work, but so is remaining committed to the bigger picture and adjusting course when needed to ensure progress.
Dreaming Boldly, Acting Realistically Visionary thinking that include those “balcony moments” where we look at the big picture, is vital to the Strategic Transformation Project. At the same time, the team acknowledged the importance of grounding these dreams in the daily realities of our students, staff, and families. The balance between ambition and practicality was seen as key to creating lasting impact.
These reflections are more than theory, they are shaping the way we operate, collaborate, and lead across Blue Mountains Grammar School. By embracing shared leadership, fostering trust, and aligning our efforts with strategic goals, we are building the capacity needed to support a future-focused learning environment.
A beginner’s mindset has shaped Kindergarten Educator, Danielle Mackin’s approach to teaching at Blue Mountains Grammar School. After attending a Professional Learning experience in Tasmania, led by Ben Mardell on the Pedagogy of Play, Danielle was inspired to intentionally integrate playful learning into her classroom practice. Starting small, she used reading groups with parent helpers as an opportunity to introduce playful, skill-focused activities; like sensory play, fine motor tasks, and syllable counting. All of these activities were designed around student interests. This shift has not only boosted student engagement but has also encouraged problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. For Danielle, the joy and concentration she now sees in her students is a reminder that play isn’t just for the young, but for the young at heart. Thank you to the staff who have contributed their time, energy, and insights through this process.
Their work with the Leadership Greenhouse is just one part of our broader commitment to transformation and it is already making a difference.
Isabelle Coote
Senior School Teacher