In this episode, Kristy Miller and Suzanne Litchfield share their journey founding Turrun Primary Schoolon a greenfield site. In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis explores how they built a school identity rooted in local Indigenous language and meaning. From day one, Principal Kristy Millerand Assistant Principal Suzanne Litchfield focused on core values—respect, care, kindness and personal best—as the heartbeat of every decision.

This audio interview covers how they handled constant change and heavy cognitive loads. They explain their innovative hiring: prioritising “good humans” over skill sets and trusting gut instincts. Discover how they navigated Australia’s teacher shortage by sticking firmly to their high standards—even if that meant non-appointments. The pair also explain why they’re transforming open-plan learning spaces into calmer, wall-based classrooms, supported by evidence on reducing cognitive overload in students.

You’ll learn how these leaders fostered a strong, culturally rich school community speaking over 20 languages. Turrun’s leadership built from the ground up ensures every student, staff member and family feel known and valued. Kristy and Suzanne also detail their ‘At Turrun Guides’—short, sharp staff resources that create consistency, clarity and a human‑first school culture.

If you’re interested in adaptability, values-driven leadership and school culture, this episode offers practical lessons. Plus, hear how Turrun Primary balances administrative rigour with intentional, daily human connection—even as the school grows. It’s an inspiring example of shaping a school’s soul from the very start.

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In this episode, Kristy Miller and Suzanne Litchfield share their journey founding <a href="https://turrunps.vic.edu.au/">Turrun Primary School</a> on a greenfield site. In this episode of <a href="https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/">Around the School Table</a>, host Steve Davis explores how they built a school identity rooted in local Indigenous language and meaning. From day one, Principal Kristy Miller and Assistant Principal Suzanne Litchfield focused on core values&mdash;respect, care, kindness and personal best&mdash;as the heartbeat of every decision.
This audio interview covers how they handled constant change and heavy cognitive loads. They explain their innovative hiring: prioritising &ldquo;good humans&rdquo; over skill sets and trusting gut instincts. Discover how they navigated Australia&rsquo;s teacher shortage by sticking firmly to their high standards&mdash;even if that meant non-appointments. The pair also explain why they&rsquo;re transforming open-plan learning spaces into calmer, wall-based classrooms, supported by evidence on reducing cognitive overload in students.
You&rsquo;ll learn how these leaders fostered a strong, culturally rich school community speaking over 20 languages. Turrun&rsquo;s leadership built from the ground up ensures every student, staff member and family feel known and valued. Kristy and Suzanne also detail their &lsquo;At Turrun Guides&rsquo;&mdash;short, sharp staff resources that create consistency, clarity and a human‑first school culture.
If you&rsquo;re interested in adaptability, values-driven leadership and school culture, this episode offers practical lessons. Plus, hear how Turrun Primary balances administrative rigour with intentional, daily human connection&mdash;even as the school grows. It&rsquo;s an inspiring example of shaping a school&rsquo;s soul from the very start.
Powered by: <a href="https://xuno.com.au">xuno.com.au</a>

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;

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