Professional learning is embedded into the culture of our staff community. Through the LEAD Program (Lead, Engage, Accelerate, Develop), educators are supported to grow as leaders, pursue innovation and bring meaningful ideas back into the classroom.

As recipients of the Stewart Teaching Travel Scholarship, made possible by the generosity of Old Guildfordian George Stewart, teachers Ashlea Harvey and Petar Alavanja recently spent a week in Hong Kong. Their itinerary included visits to two leading schools, Renaissance College and St Paul’s Co-educational College and the Positive Schools Conference at ISF Academy.

It was an experience that offered both reflection and inspiration and one that exemplifies the LEAD Program’s focus on connection and agile leadership.

The Foundation of Thriving Schools

One clear theme materialised across the school visits and conference sessions: strong, respectful relationships are the foundation of academic success, wellbeing and positive school culture. Whether in the way teachers engaged with students, peers collaborated, or parents were involved in learning, the message was consistent – connection matters.

“Genuine, respectful relationships are the foundation of academic success, student wellbeing and positive school culture,” Petar said. “It reaffirmed the importance of prioritising connection in every layer of school life.”

Purposeful Space and Culture

The use of space was both creative and intentional in the Hong Kong schools. In high-rise environments, every square metre was thoughtfully designed to support student learning and wellbeing. It was a sharp contrast to Guildford’s expansive grounds and served as a powerful reminder that culture isn’t just built through space, it’s built through purpose.

“Compared to Guildford’s expansive grounds that we are fortunate to enjoy, it was a powerful contrast that highlighted the value of purposeful space and culture in any context,” Petar observed.

Both schools demonstrated how academic rigour can coexist with emotional development and student support. “There was a clear emphasis on student support, community and emotional development, without compromising academic rigour,” he said.

Wellbeing by Design

At the Positive Schools Conference, Dr Helen Street reframed wellbeing as something that should be woven into the fabric of school life. Her session on contextual wellbeing reframed it as something that must be designed into the structure of schools, not added on as an extra layer.

“Her emphasis on designing environments that support intrinsic motivation and belonging really resonated,” said Petar. “It reframed wellbeing not just as something we ‘add on,’ but as something that should be built into the very structure of schools.”

Ideas with Impact

The trip ignited practical ideas to bring back to Guildford Grammar. Strategies for improving student voice, building agency and strengthening the Year 6 to 7 transition were clear standouts.

“I’d like to explore ways to build more authentic student voice into our classroom learning,” Petar shared.

The experience also reinforced the strong foundations already in place at Guildford Grammar, particularly around the connection between wellbeing, learning and student growth. “The trip reinforced how interconnected wellbeing, agency and learning are, and how successfully we do parts of this at Guildford Grammar.”

Empowering Educators Through LEAD

Professionally, the experience prompted deep reflection on the role of teachers as facilitators, not just instructors and the importance of helping students take ownership of their learning.

“It’s prompted me to reflect on how I can be a facilitator rather than just an instructor and someone who helps students feel ownership over their growth,” Petar said. “It’s also deepened my appreciation for the things we do well at Guildford Grammar and the potential we have to lead in this space in Australia by blending tradition with innovation.”

The Stewart Teaching Travel Scholarship is one of several opportunities offered through the School’s LEAD Program. Whether through coaching, strategic projects or immersive experiences like this, LEAD equips staff to grow with purpose and to bring that growth directly into the classroom.

Experiences like this affirm Guildford Grammar School’s commitment to professional excellence, global thinking and empowering educators to lead with confidence, connection and curiosity.