love life, love learning, love people
Welcome to my website. This year, 2024, I celebrate 36 years in my career as an educator. I am pleased to share my ongoing professional learning journey with you. As I do this, I grow too! Husband and dad first.
I am a primary principal and I love my school. I started working at Claremont in 1996, initially as Deputy Principal for 11 years. Claremont means the world to me and I care deeply for the kids, teachers and our very special school community.
The past 12 months have been significant for me. In August I was awarded The Australian Primary Principal of the Year (Non-Government School) and also one of Australia's 'Education Hot List Top 50' (2023)- representing the cutting edge of educational excellence in Australia. TheEducator wrote...
"after receiving hundreds of nominations, The Educator began the arduous task of evaluating each nominee based on the overall impact of their work in the K-12 education sector over the past 12 months, demonstrating expertise in linking theory and practice, and designing and implementing innovations that provide students with high-quality educational experiences during these unprecedented times."
Also, in March 2024, my school was one of four Australian organisations (and one of two schools) to be the recipient of an (IFIP) Global Inclusion Award 2024. From submissions from 39 countries across the globe, 149 organisations and individuals were recognised and celebrated across eight categories – architecture and design, corporate and business, culture, education, social impact, health, sports, leisure and tourism. A meticulous evaluation of all applications was conducted by a distinguished panel of inclusion specialists representing each of these sectors. The aim of the awards is to:
“shine a light on the diverse inclusion challenges that the world faces and to showcase existing best practices that can guide others towards ensuring equitable access and benefits in education, employment, culture, and leisure activities worldwide”.
As Principal I am so thrilled for Claremont to be recognised in this way. For me personally, the reason why I initially chose to become a teacher was to work in a school where students with disabilities and special needs were included in a mainstream setting. More recently, my professional experiences at Claremont have equipped me for giving back - working in India advocating for marginalised and vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities and slum kids who have limited or no access to a school and education.
A little about me...
I am a principal who loves life and thinking about education, leadership, school design and creating a school culture where kids and teachers thrive in their learning. I am passionate about the environment, social justice, advocating for the education of kids and people in poverty and making the world a happier and better place. My work in India continues to also be incredibly important to me. I am so proud of my team at Project Help India who work tirelessly for so many kids who otherwise have limited opportunity and little resources to be able to attend school.
In relation to this website I had a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic. I was busy! As many school leaders (and certainly all teachers!) found, the response to COVID was considerable and took its toll on us all. I am so proud of my school and what my team and community achieved together - just inspirational! During the pandemic, although I was unable to travel, my work in India also continued intensively. We needed to feed thousands of people who were in lockdown and unable to earn an income or have enough to eat (students, their families and communities). Project Help India responded to our students physical and educational needs in many ways. Being highly vulnerable children we kept them safe too from local mafia, drugs, forced labour and begging -regularly checking in on their welfare. You can read about what we did if you visit www.projecthelpindia.co/blog
Contributing to Australian and global inclusive education ...and the cause of human flourishing and making the world a better place
Over the years I've had the opportunity to speak and give presentations at various conferences;
2011 - AISNSW Primary Conference (Sydney)
‘Implementing a Thinking and Learning Curriculum’
2016 - AISNSW National ICT Conference (Canberra)
‘Developing and implementing a successful ICT Strategic Plan’
2016 - AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference (Sydney)
‘Our Journey and Initiatives at Claremont College’
2016 - EduTECH (Brisbane)
‘School Transformation and Change Management’
‘ICT Strategic Planning for Business Managers’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Melbourne and Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Ensuring Student Engagement within a Differentiated Curriculum’
2017 - Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development ASCD
Empower Conference (Los Angeles)
‘Co-Teaching Aussie Style’
2017 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2017 - Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Masterclass
‘The Claremont College Transformation story: Pedagogy and Learning Spaces’
2017 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
‘Assessing the Hallmarks of Outstanding 21st Century K-12 Leaders’ (panel member)
‘Co-Teaching in Flexible Learning Spaces’ (2 hour workshop, co facilitator)
2018 Learning Environments Australia (LEA) National Conference (Sydney)
The Claremont College Story (School tour and visitors’ presentation)
2019 National Future Schools Expo and Conferences, Leadership Strand (Melbourne)
‘Planning for the Future: Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership Toolkit for Disruption and your Personal Wellbeing’ - speaker
‘Strategies for School Leaders to Realise Learning Improvement’ - Principals’ Panel
2019 Informa Conferences School Planning, Design & Construction Summit (Melbourne)
Transforming Learning Spaces: Educational research, design and leadership principles to consider for sustained success.
2019 IPSHA Leadership Masterclass (Sydney)
‘Exploring Future School Leadership’
2019 International Confederation of Principals Convention (Shanghai)
- ‘Are you a Future Schools Leader?’
2019 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
- ‘Co-Teaching: A model for student and teachers’ (workshop co-facilitator)
- 'Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership tool-kit for disruption and your personal well-being’ (Pecha Kucha presentation)
- ‘Being a Future School Leader’ Teacher Tech Talks (Round Table Facilitator)
2020 School Building & Maintenance Summit (online delivery)
Claremont College: A case study focussing on transforming learning spaces whilst drawing on specifics such as educational research, design and leadership principles for sustained success.
2024 ASCD Annual Conference (USA, Washington DC)
‘Creating a Happy, Safe, and Connected School – An Australian Case Study’. My presentation explored the key features of learning space design and collaborative teaching, along with research-informed considerations to enhance respectful relationships, belonging, and connectedness in an inclusive elementary school setting.
2024 4th National Indigenous Empowerment Summit (Brisbane)
‘Creating inclusive and supportive schools that foster connection, belonging and safety.’ My talk focussed on three main points; Understanding the key elements of connection for thriving at school, Providing teacher education on trauma-informed practice to deepen understanding of underlying challenges, and, Fostering trust among students, teachers and families through open communication, listening, collaboration and consultation.
2024 EduTECH (Melbourne) Keynote Speaker (School Teachers' Stream)
'More Than Just a Teacher: Reclaiming the significance of the role and impact of teachers.'
You are never ‘just’ a teacher. It’s crucial to put the spotlight back on the importance of primary school teachers – especially in the lives of children, families, and communities. The transformative power of education, guided by skilled and dedicated teachers, and educational leaders not only shapes minds but also has the potential to profoundly impact and uplift entire communities.
August 2024 - panel speaker at University of NSW BREATHE: Airborne Threats to Health Workshop hosted by UNSW ENG (MME).
This event focussed on airborne threats in both indoor and outdoor environments, aiming to promote advancements in health and medical research. In collaboration with the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) BREATHE the workshop will bring together leading experts in aerosol science to raise awareness and foster innovation at UNSW Engineering, with the goal to build collaborative and innovative partnerships with the scientific community, governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
International Forums of Global Practitioners
I am an active member of the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP) where I have been awarded the honorary title of Distinguished Fellow of the IFIP. The IFIP is a voluntary members organisation consisting of hundreds of inclusion practitioners from across the world. IFIP believes in a future where every teacher is enabled, through inclusive teaching practices, to teach every child in the classroom, no matter what their ability. I encourage any teacher or educator who is reading this to check out IFIP and to consider becoming a member.
Leadership Mentoring and Teacher Training
Biography
I am the Principal of Claremont College, an Anglican co-educational primary school in Randwick, Sydney where he has been the Principal for 17 years. I love my school! Claremont College is recognised for its educational excellence and innovation. The school’s whole-school learning space transformation and refurbishment project has received a number of architectural awards. Claremont College has received world-wide attention for the implementation of an innovative team focussed co-teaching model. As a case study, the change management story behind the transformation and its success is powerful.
My passions and interests include; creating an inclusive, vibrant and positive school culture, supporting and promoting teacher professional learning, developing global connections, student voice and resilience, as well as developing exciting and engaging parent programs, especially empowering and equipping fathers through the Fathering Project.
I travel every year to India where I'm involved in education projects, setting up schools for slum kids and others in remote locations who otherwise would have no access to a school. I train teachers and prior to COVID delivered leadership seminars to university students. I have also been involved in training the local police, social workers and NGO's in anti-human trafficking programs and community problem solving initiatives such as stopping children from begging and getting them out of child labour and into school. Sadly because of COVID, the need to advocate for those living in poverty has only increased, and the kids that my team and I work with have become more vulnerable to local mafia, drugs and alcohol.
I'm passionate about helping marginalised and vulnerable children
I am the Australian Director and Founder of Project Help India. The children we work alongside are known as the Dalits or the untouchables – they are exploited and vulnerable. We dream of a better life for them, we advocate for them and fight for their rights. ‘Project Help India’ is all about friendship, learning and growing with each other. Through relationships and respectful community engagement, we bring a message of love, dignity and purpose to people living in urban slums and very remote and isolated rural mountain villages.
The work of Project Help India, is predominately centred around education in 3 states of India. Through our 14 centres we currently provide educational opportunities for between 600 and 700 children. We advocate for children who have little or no access to an education usually because they are physically isolated from a government school, or they have a disability or because they are begging or involved in child labour. Project Help India connects with these children’s families, providing parenting programs, counselling and guidance. Through this we strive to impact lives by breaking the cycle of inequality and intergenerational poverty.
I have created the video below that tells you about our projects in The State of Punjab. When I first visited in October 2023, never before have I experienced and witnessed such a heartbreaking circumstances for children. It is a privilege to be part of an amazing and passionate team of educators and social workers.
I am a primary principal and I love my school. I started working at Claremont in 1996, initially as Deputy Principal for 11 years. Claremont means the world to me and I care deeply for the kids, teachers and our very special school community.
The past 12 months have been significant for me. In August I was awarded The Australian Primary Principal of the Year (Non-Government School) and also one of Australia's 'Education Hot List Top 50' (2023)- representing the cutting edge of educational excellence in Australia. TheEducator wrote...
"after receiving hundreds of nominations, The Educator began the arduous task of evaluating each nominee based on the overall impact of their work in the K-12 education sector over the past 12 months, demonstrating expertise in linking theory and practice, and designing and implementing innovations that provide students with high-quality educational experiences during these unprecedented times."
Also, in March 2024, my school was one of four Australian organisations (and one of two schools) to be the recipient of an (IFIP) Global Inclusion Award 2024. From submissions from 39 countries across the globe, 149 organisations and individuals were recognised and celebrated across eight categories – architecture and design, corporate and business, culture, education, social impact, health, sports, leisure and tourism. A meticulous evaluation of all applications was conducted by a distinguished panel of inclusion specialists representing each of these sectors. The aim of the awards is to:
“shine a light on the diverse inclusion challenges that the world faces and to showcase existing best practices that can guide others towards ensuring equitable access and benefits in education, employment, culture, and leisure activities worldwide”.
As Principal I am so thrilled for Claremont to be recognised in this way. For me personally, the reason why I initially chose to become a teacher was to work in a school where students with disabilities and special needs were included in a mainstream setting. More recently, my professional experiences at Claremont have equipped me for giving back - working in India advocating for marginalised and vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities and slum kids who have limited or no access to a school and education.
A little about me...
I am a principal who loves life and thinking about education, leadership, school design and creating a school culture where kids and teachers thrive in their learning. I am passionate about the environment, social justice, advocating for the education of kids and people in poverty and making the world a happier and better place. My work in India continues to also be incredibly important to me. I am so proud of my team at Project Help India who work tirelessly for so many kids who otherwise have limited opportunity and little resources to be able to attend school.
In relation to this website I had a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic. I was busy! As many school leaders (and certainly all teachers!) found, the response to COVID was considerable and took its toll on us all. I am so proud of my school and what my team and community achieved together - just inspirational! During the pandemic, although I was unable to travel, my work in India also continued intensively. We needed to feed thousands of people who were in lockdown and unable to earn an income or have enough to eat (students, their families and communities). Project Help India responded to our students physical and educational needs in many ways. Being highly vulnerable children we kept them safe too from local mafia, drugs, forced labour and begging -regularly checking in on their welfare. You can read about what we did if you visit www.projecthelpindia.co/blog
Contributing to Australian and global inclusive education ...and the cause of human flourishing and making the world a better place
Over the years I've had the opportunity to speak and give presentations at various conferences;
2011 - AISNSW Primary Conference (Sydney)
‘Implementing a Thinking and Learning Curriculum’
2016 - AISNSW National ICT Conference (Canberra)
‘Developing and implementing a successful ICT Strategic Plan’
2016 - AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference (Sydney)
‘Our Journey and Initiatives at Claremont College’
2016 - EduTECH (Brisbane)
‘School Transformation and Change Management’
‘ICT Strategic Planning for Business Managers’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Melbourne and Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2016 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Ensuring Student Engagement within a Differentiated Curriculum’
2017 - Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development ASCD
Empower Conference (Los Angeles)
‘Co-Teaching Aussie Style’
2017 - Criterion Conferences (Sydney)
‘Flexible Learning Spaces and the Claremont College Research Project’
2017 - Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Masterclass
‘The Claremont College Transformation story: Pedagogy and Learning Spaces’
2017 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
‘Assessing the Hallmarks of Outstanding 21st Century K-12 Leaders’ (panel member)
‘Co-Teaching in Flexible Learning Spaces’ (2 hour workshop, co facilitator)
2018 Learning Environments Australia (LEA) National Conference (Sydney)
The Claremont College Story (School tour and visitors’ presentation)
2019 National Future Schools Expo and Conferences, Leadership Strand (Melbourne)
‘Planning for the Future: Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership Toolkit for Disruption and your Personal Wellbeing’ - speaker
‘Strategies for School Leaders to Realise Learning Improvement’ - Principals’ Panel
2019 Informa Conferences School Planning, Design & Construction Summit (Melbourne)
Transforming Learning Spaces: Educational research, design and leadership principles to consider for sustained success.
2019 IPSHA Leadership Masterclass (Sydney)
‘Exploring Future School Leadership’
2019 International Confederation of Principals Convention (Shanghai)
- ‘Are you a Future Schools Leader?’
2019 EduTECH Asia, K-12 Leadership Strand (Singapore)
- ‘Co-Teaching: A model for student and teachers’ (workshop co-facilitator)
- 'Change, Strategic Planning and a Leadership tool-kit for disruption and your personal well-being’ (Pecha Kucha presentation)
- ‘Being a Future School Leader’ Teacher Tech Talks (Round Table Facilitator)
2020 School Building & Maintenance Summit (online delivery)
Claremont College: A case study focussing on transforming learning spaces whilst drawing on specifics such as educational research, design and leadership principles for sustained success.
2024 ASCD Annual Conference (USA, Washington DC)
‘Creating a Happy, Safe, and Connected School – An Australian Case Study’. My presentation explored the key features of learning space design and collaborative teaching, along with research-informed considerations to enhance respectful relationships, belonging, and connectedness in an inclusive elementary school setting.
2024 4th National Indigenous Empowerment Summit (Brisbane)
‘Creating inclusive and supportive schools that foster connection, belonging and safety.’ My talk focussed on three main points; Understanding the key elements of connection for thriving at school, Providing teacher education on trauma-informed practice to deepen understanding of underlying challenges, and, Fostering trust among students, teachers and families through open communication, listening, collaboration and consultation.
2024 EduTECH (Melbourne) Keynote Speaker (School Teachers' Stream)
'More Than Just a Teacher: Reclaiming the significance of the role and impact of teachers.'
You are never ‘just’ a teacher. It’s crucial to put the spotlight back on the importance of primary school teachers – especially in the lives of children, families, and communities. The transformative power of education, guided by skilled and dedicated teachers, and educational leaders not only shapes minds but also has the potential to profoundly impact and uplift entire communities.
August 2024 - panel speaker at University of NSW BREATHE: Airborne Threats to Health Workshop hosted by UNSW ENG (MME).
This event focussed on airborne threats in both indoor and outdoor environments, aiming to promote advancements in health and medical research. In collaboration with the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) BREATHE the workshop will bring together leading experts in aerosol science to raise awareness and foster innovation at UNSW Engineering, with the goal to build collaborative and innovative partnerships with the scientific community, governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
International Forums of Global Practitioners
I am an active member of the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP) where I have been awarded the honorary title of Distinguished Fellow of the IFIP. The IFIP is a voluntary members organisation consisting of hundreds of inclusion practitioners from across the world. IFIP believes in a future where every teacher is enabled, through inclusive teaching practices, to teach every child in the classroom, no matter what their ability. I encourage any teacher or educator who is reading this to check out IFIP and to consider becoming a member.
Leadership Mentoring and Teacher Training
- Mentor a Principal as part of the AIS NSW Leadership ‘Flagship Program’ (2015 -2018 and 2023)
- IPSHA NSW New Principals Mentor Program (2018 and 2022)
- Watoto Principals Mentorship, Executive Leadership Team Development, Strategic Planning and School Improvement Review, Kampala Uganda (2018)
- Mentor of leaders and teacher training at ‘Vision Rescue’ (NGO), Mumbai, India (2013 - present)
- Teacher Training and Leadership Mentoring, Kotdwara, India (2013 - present)
Biography
I am the Principal of Claremont College, an Anglican co-educational primary school in Randwick, Sydney where he has been the Principal for 17 years. I love my school! Claremont College is recognised for its educational excellence and innovation. The school’s whole-school learning space transformation and refurbishment project has received a number of architectural awards. Claremont College has received world-wide attention for the implementation of an innovative team focussed co-teaching model. As a case study, the change management story behind the transformation and its success is powerful.
My passions and interests include; creating an inclusive, vibrant and positive school culture, supporting and promoting teacher professional learning, developing global connections, student voice and resilience, as well as developing exciting and engaging parent programs, especially empowering and equipping fathers through the Fathering Project.
I travel every year to India where I'm involved in education projects, setting up schools for slum kids and others in remote locations who otherwise would have no access to a school. I train teachers and prior to COVID delivered leadership seminars to university students. I have also been involved in training the local police, social workers and NGO's in anti-human trafficking programs and community problem solving initiatives such as stopping children from begging and getting them out of child labour and into school. Sadly because of COVID, the need to advocate for those living in poverty has only increased, and the kids that my team and I work with have become more vulnerable to local mafia, drugs and alcohol.
I'm passionate about helping marginalised and vulnerable children
I am the Australian Director and Founder of Project Help India. The children we work alongside are known as the Dalits or the untouchables – they are exploited and vulnerable. We dream of a better life for them, we advocate for them and fight for their rights. ‘Project Help India’ is all about friendship, learning and growing with each other. Through relationships and respectful community engagement, we bring a message of love, dignity and purpose to people living in urban slums and very remote and isolated rural mountain villages.
The work of Project Help India, is predominately centred around education in 3 states of India. Through our 14 centres we currently provide educational opportunities for between 600 and 700 children. We advocate for children who have little or no access to an education usually because they are physically isolated from a government school, or they have a disability or because they are begging or involved in child labour. Project Help India connects with these children’s families, providing parenting programs, counselling and guidance. Through this we strive to impact lives by breaking the cycle of inequality and intergenerational poverty.
I have created the video below that tells you about our projects in The State of Punjab. When I first visited in October 2023, never before have I experienced and witnessed such a heartbreaking circumstances for children. It is a privilege to be part of an amazing and passionate team of educators and social workers.