Well-Led SchoolsEP10: Adopting a Positive and Nurturing Approach to Improving Staff Wellbeing with David Kolpak
In the 10th episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast I am joined by school principal and Positive Psychology advocate David Kolpak.
Leading a school culture where both staff and student wellbeing is front and centre requires strong leadership capability, the relevant personal attributes and emotional intelligence. David encompasses these very qualities and in this episode he breaks down his approach and philosophy towards becoming a “well-led school” - a school that leads with wellbeing in mind.
About David:
David Kolpak (MEd, BEd, BTeach) is the Principal at Trinity College North in Adelaide (EY-10). In his leadership roles, David has been responsible for the design and delivery of Positive Education programs delivered to students from Kindergarten to year 10, working with his teams to develop the scope and sequence of programs taught between the ages of 3 and 16 and ensuring that the principles of positive psychology are embedded across all curriculum areas.With 30 years’ experience as a leader and teacher, David has established himself as a quality educator and speaker on Positive Education and Wellbeing and has been invited to present his work at numerous national and international conferences including the Positive Education Schools Association, the Positive Schools conference and the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress.Keen to share his work, David has authored several “Character Strength’ iBooks which are freely available to use in the classroom. David’s passion for bringing out the best is evident in his school-based leadership and teaching roles together with his wider roles as a speaker and leader in the field.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why focusing on staff wellbeing is just as important as student wellbeing
- The importance of a well-rounded approach to wellbeing in schools
- How to create a feedback culture that’s based on trust
- What character strengths are and why it’s valuable to explore them with staff
- How to create more engagement by allowing staff to be who they are
Links and Resources:
Blog article: The PERMAH Model for Workplace Wellbeing
Blog article: What is Positive Psychology and How to Apply The Principles To Your Own Wellbeing
Blog article: 9 Reasons to Put Staff Wellbeing at The Top of Your School’s Priority List
Discover your own character strengths! Take the VIA Strengths Assessment here
Are you a Dove, Owl, Peacock or Eagle? Take the DISC bird personality test here
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with David:
Download and read his character strengths iBooks
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