What's your role at Knox?.

I am the Headmaster of Knox Grammar School. I'm responsible for the management and leadership of the School.

How long have you been with the School?

I've been with Knox for 15 years.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Even with the most carefully planned schedules, a typical day can take me in so many directions. Being ready to tackle the unexpected is important, but so is focussing on the aspects of the School that matter the most...people.

What three things do you love most about working at Knox?

1. The staff: Knox is a community built on meaningful connections.
2. The scale of opportunities available at Knox: there are many varied opportunities to develop and enhance. I also enjoy taking on the challenge of addressing the ever-changing and challenging nature of education.
3. The fact that we value our strong traditions and heritage, and we stay true to our core values.

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in education?

My own experience at school inspired me to pursue a career in education, and the teachers who had such a positive impact on me during those years. I wanted to have that same impact on young people and to help them discover their potential.

What part of your role do you gain the most joy?

Engaging with people brings me the most joy because it allows me to connect with others on a personal level, to share experiences, and to build meaningful relationships.

Why did you join Knox - has it lived up to expectations?

Knox has lived up to my expectations because I see every day the value of our programs and opportunities and how the sum of both grows staff and students. The School has demonstrated it has the ability to respond to the local and global context, whilst staying true to its heritage.

What is the secret to good teaching and inspiring our young people?

The secret to good teaching is a combination of passion for the subject matter, a genuine interest in students' success, and valuing each student's unique needs and abilities.

What’s your leadership style and why have you found this to be successful?

I find that my leadership often depends on the context and the people I’m engaging with. Different leadership styles can be effective in different situations. What I do know is that leadership is a continuous journey of self-improvement and growth.

Having a clear vision is also critical, and leading people with integrity and building strong interpersonal relationships is very important.

I aim to instil a sense of social responsibility in students, encouraging them to actively participate in their communities, to make positive contributions and to develop a sense of responsibility towards global issues.

What impact do you hope to leave on the students?

I am proud of young men when they demonstrate actions that reflect the School’s values. Whether it's values-driven choices in the classroom, on stage, on the sporting field or out in the community, when young men are aligned with our core values, they create a supportive and positive culture. Everyone benefits.

What is the biggest challenge facing the education sector at the moment? What would you like to see in the future or how do you intend to help fix the problem?

The biggest challenge is the teacher shortage. We need to celebrate the valuable impact made by educators across the country and ensure schools have a strong mentorship program for new teachers, to invest energy and resources into an innovative approach to professional learning.

Who are you outside of Knox?

I like to surf, garden and read.

Share one fun fact that people might not know about you.

I enjoy listening to the fusion of bluegrass and rock music.

What advice would you give to anyone joining Knox?

I would advise newcomers to take the time to immerse yourself in the School's culture and values. Learn the School’s history and traditions, as this will assist with your integration into the community.

Your dedication, passion, and commitment to the School's mission will be your most valuable assets when you first join Knox.