In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), Lisa Burt joins host Steve Davis to explore how inclusive leadership reshapes learning within a small school setting. As principal of Knox Central Primary School (www.knoxcentral.vic.edu.au), she leads a school community of 74 students and demonstrates how relationships, predictability and calm environments support every learner.

From the outset, Lisa explains how her move from a large suburban school to Knox Central changed her approach to leadership. With fewer staff layers, she is often the person who responds when challenges arise. However, this close connection means families and students see her as approachable and available. Her daily walk through each classroom builds trust and reinforces a strong sense of community.

Because Lisa also teaches PE, students see her as both principal and active participant in school life. This relatability helps families who previously felt uncertain about school to re-engage with confidence. Her visible presence also supports staff wellbeing, as teachers know she understands the pressures of the classroom.

The discussion turns to inclusive classrooms, where predictable routines and structured spaces help students, especially those with autism, feel secure. Daily schedules, quiet zones and Schoolwide Positive Behaviours create a consistent and supportive learning environment.

Literacy improvement is another key focus. After discovering gaps in early reading skills, the school adopted explicit phonics instruction and tools like DIBELS. As a result, students develop phonemic awareness and reading confidence, while teachers gain clearer data to guide instruction.

Technology also supports personalised learning at Knox Central. Google Classroom, Mathletics and Reading Eggs allow teachers to tailor tasks and help students practise skills beyond school hours.

Finally, Lisa reflects on funding, perception and the unique strengths of boutique schools. She highlights the importance of reframing “small schools” as environments rich in connection, opportunity and individual support. This episode offers practical ideas for leaders and teachers seeking to strengthen inclusion and rethink what small schools can achieve.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

In this episode of Around the School Table (www.xuno.com.au/podcasts), Lisa Burt joins host Steve Davis to explore how inclusive leadership reshapes learning within a small school setting. As principal of Knox Central Primary School (www.knoxcentral.vic.edu.au), she leads a school community of 74 students and demonstrates how relationships, predictability and calm environments support every learner.
From the outset, Lisa explains how her move from a large suburban school to Knox Central changed her approach to leadership. With fewer staff layers, she is often the person who responds when challenges arise. However, this close connection means families and students see her as approachable and available. Her daily walk through each classroom builds trust and reinforces a strong sense of community.
Because Lisa also teaches PE, students see her as both principal and active participant in school life. This relatability helps families who previously felt uncertain about school to re-engage with confidence. Her visible presence also supports staff wellbeing, as teachers know she understands the pressures of the classroom.
The discussion turns to inclusive classrooms, where predictable routines and structured spaces help students, especially those with autism, feel secure. Daily schedules, quiet zones and Schoolwide Positive Behaviours create a consistent and supportive learning environment.
Literacy improvement is another key focus. After discovering gaps in early reading skills, the school adopted explicit phonics instruction and tools like DIBELS. As a result, students develop phonemic awareness and reading confidence, while teachers gain clearer data to guide instruction.
Technology also supports personalised learning at Knox Central. Google Classroom, Mathletics and Reading Eggs allow teachers to tailor tasks and help students practise skills beyond school hours.
Finally, Lisa reflects on funding, perception and the unique strengths of boutique schools. She highlights the importance of reframing &ldquo;small schools&rdquo; as environments rich in connection, opportunity and individual support. This episode offers practical ideas for leaders and teachers seeking to strengthen inclusion and rethink what small schools can achieve.
Powered by: xuno.com.au

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;

Around the School Table 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;

Advertisement