The Administrative Network experiences ‘Becoming a Compassionate System’
Across Semester 1, 13 administrative staff from 9 different learning communities took part in a series of three workshops entitled ‘Becoming a Compassionate System starting with Me’.
Each workshop was three carefully curated sessions where participants engaged in reflective practice, explored practical tools, and joined in meaningful dialogue aimed at enhancing their leadership capabilities as articulated through the Growing Deep framework. Affirming that leadership is not confined to positional authority but is cultivated and embodied at every level of a learning community.
Beyond grounding, journalling and check-in practices, participants also explored the wheel of emotions, the ladder of inference, the role of mental models, the wheel of connectedness, and stock and flow. Importantly, the workshops were not solely theoretical but invited staff to practically apply the tools and practices in their daily life, both personal and professional, outside the workshop setting.
Participants provided the following feedback on their experiences:
By investing in the leadership capabilities development of administrative staff through the lens of compassion and systems thinking, we not only honour their work but also strengthen the broader system in which we all serve.
To expand access to this learning, an email was sent to Administrative Network members and Principals on 9 July, outlining the opportunities available in Term 3.
We encourage learning communities to support their administrative staff in engaging with this work.
If your staff are not yet part of the network and would like to join, please contact Larissa Paynter.