Sponsorship note: This article is sponsored by St. Brigid’s Primary School
Having the courage of their convictions is why the leadership team of this award-winning school located in Gisborne, Victoria, has been able to turn their environment into one of positivity and achievement.
An ethos was instilled to empower staff to voice their ideas freely and embrace innovation without fear of failure. It also ensures that every individual, regardless of faith or background, can thrive within a community grounded in universal Catholic values, such as respect and kindness.
Illustrating this in action, the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools System Improvement Survey (MACSSIS), 2022–2024 reports that the school’s climate positivity “rose significantly, reflecting a supportive environment”.
Under the visionary guidance of principal Mel Daly and her deputies, St. Brigid’s has reclaimed authentic leadership, fostering a culture defined by courage, connection and inclusivity.
Culture of progression
The lived reality for staff and students is defined by the school’s statement, “Inspired by Brigid’s faith, strength and courage, we strive to ignite the passion to grow and learn”.
Recognising the challenges facing educators today, St. Brigid’s has made staff wellbeing and professional growth central priorities. It provides access to a professional counsellor, ensuring holistic support that addresses personal and professional needs. This combats teacher burnout and creates a space where educators feel truly free to teach and innovate.
“We encourage staff to dream big and try new things. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about knowing we’ll figure it out together,” says deputy principal Keena Lane-Kerton.
For new teachers, the graduate mentor program offers invaluable guidance, pairing them with experienced professionals and further supporting them through an open-door policy. Daly and her deputies are accessible, creating a space where staff are heard and guided.
“Our staff feel valued because we listen and act,” adds deputy principal Petrina O’Grady. “It’s a culture where everyone, regardless of background, knows they belong and can make a difference.”
Development and transparency
Committed to equity, St. Brigid’s values every team member, including education support officers, by offering professional development sessions not typically required and ensuring access to the same information as teachers.
Communication is tailored to individual staff needs, such as sharing written materials for those who prefer. The school empowers everyone to excel non-judgementally, approaching job allocation holistically to balance strengths, passions, and growth aspirations for personal fulfilment and organisational success.
Transparent feedback is another cornerstone. As a new principal, Daly tackled low staff morale from recent changes by hosting a full-day staff meeting to collaborate on strategies through open dialogue, drawing on input from students, staff and parents. This practice of listening and acting on feedback reinforced a climate of trust and shared purpose.
The clear success of these efforts is evidenced by a 20% rise in staff retention levels over the previous three years, along with earning the recognition as a 5-Star Employer of Choice 2025 by The Educator.
Impact and enduring effort
Staff psychological safety has also soared from 53% to 89% (MACSSIS, 2022–2024), mirroring the school’s nurturing spirit. Daly sets the tone at the top, emphasising, “Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about taking risks, admitting when we get it wrong, and asking, ‘What do you think?’ to try again authentically.”
St. Brigid’s stands as a beacon for employers, demonstrating that authentic leadership, holistic support, and a culture of inclusivity are achievable realities. Its model and commitment ensure staff are not only supported, but inspired to grow, innovate, and lead the way as educators.