Why mentoring and leadership are vital to a flourishing school culture

A school’s culture is the fabric that connects its parts and is often the backdrop that informs its students’ sense of right and wrong.

Kristy Kendall, Principal of Mount Eliza’s Toorak College (TC), says there is no greater reflection of her school’s culture and her students’ character than the feedback she gets when people stop her in the street.

“They tell me our students look you in the eye; they have their shoulders back,” she says. “They have a lovely sense of self-confidence [and] they are fulfilled achievers.”

Toorak College emphasises the development of students’ skills and connection to industry throughout their time at the school.

“Students are not solely focused on a number or an exam and subject selection form,” Kendall says. “They do incredibly well at TC, but that’s because they have seen they are valued in the world beyond our gate.”

The school has partnerships with organisations like Downer Engineering, NAB and Seymour Whyte Construction, through which students can take part in mentorships and cadetships during school and beyond.

There is even a microcredential barista course offered through a local cafe.

“We are here to help students, especially young women, see themselves as capable, confident and contributing,” Kendall says.

The culture of Toorak College has developed over its 150-year history, she adds.

“People see the big gates and the big buildings, but actually, we are an example of a school that fosters young people in a caring and welcoming environment,” Kendall says.

“Our students are here to look out for one another and lift each other up.

“Our culture is built through many generations, but we’re never afraid to forge forward.”

 

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At Kew’s Preshil, the culture of the progressive, co-educational school has developed over 90 years and was built “on a pillar of participatory democracy”, says Principal Aaron Mackinnon.

“Each of our young people has a voice and can co-construct the learning environment and the traditions on a daily basis,” he says.

“Our young people meet regularly to discuss the day or lesson ahead and have a voice in how that can look.

“We have whole-school meetings where our students can raise concerns, plan events and determine sensible parameters for how we can function as a school.”

Preshil’s culture highlights the school’s independent status, MacKinnon says.

“None of our kids came off shelves, so we don’t have a program that’s come off the shelf, either,” he says.

“The way we approach education gives us autonomy, and our young people mirror that. They view themselves as independent. They’ve got freedom and responsibility.”

At the Catholic secondary girls’ school Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie, the culture is closely connected to its Franciscan principles.

Executive Deputy Principal Dane Calleja says this helps students to develop their sense of self.

“It is all about the students discovering their gifts and talents, and developing leaders who can take on the world of the future [and] contribute to society,” he says.

“A lot of that comes from our core social justice mission, which is associated with the Franciscan ideas of truth, love, peace and compassion.

“We actively encourage the students to live out their faith as positive contributors to their community, working towards the collective good.”

Calleja says the school is a faith-filled community with a faith-based culture that is innovative and dynamic. 

“We provide a platform for the students to be their best version,” he says. “We embed faith-based values with our vision for learning and wellbeing.

“That provides the ingredients to enable the students to push boundaries, but also contribute to the community.

“When the students graduate, we want them to be active and informed citizens and have the confidence and the skill set to be leaders within the community.”