Meet the Principal | Season 2 – Episode 2

Episode Overview

• The podcast features Simon Ghantous, Principal of Marist College Kogarah, who shares his unconventional journey into teaching and his passion for education.
• A central theme is the concept of "learning growth," defined as the "value add" a school provides, which is presented as a more authentic measure of success than traditional academic rankings.
• The conversation emphasizes that dedicated and enthusiastic teachers are the single most important factor in driving positive student outcomes and fostering growth.
• Key strategies for student wellbeing are discussed, with a focus on creating a deep "sense of belonging" through purpose, positive relationships, and community participation.

Key Concepts

• Learning Growth vs. Rankings: The most meaningful measure of a school's success is the progress students make from their starting point to their graduation. This "value add" provides a more holistic view of a school's impact than static HSC scores.
• The Role of the Teacher: The quality and dedication of the teaching staff are the primary drivers of student success. Enthusiasm, authenticity, and a genuine love for the profession are crucial for connecting with students and fostering growth.
• Wellbeing as Belonging: True student wellbeing is achieved by fostering a strong sense of belonging. This involves ensuring students have a sense of purpose, build positive relationships with peers and staff, and actively participate in the school community.
• Career Path in Education: A career in teaching can be discovered organically. For aspiring and early-career teachers, gaining hands-on classroom experience, seeking mentorship, and maintaining passion are essential for professional growth.
• Choosing the Right School: Parents are advised to look beyond statistics and rankings. The best approach is to visit schools, assess the culture, and determine if the environment and breadth of opportunities align with their child's individual needs.

Quotes

• At 2:44 - "I loved working with kids, I loved what I was doing at the time, and I love history, so why not marry the two of them together?" - Simon Ghantous explains his decision to become a teacher after a mentor suggested it.
• At 9:24 - "It kind of shows that where we got them from, starting point in Year 7 I suppose, to where they finish in Year 12... it's value add. What did we do as a school to add value to their learning? And did they grow?" - Simon Ghantous defines "learning growth" as the ultimate measure of a school's success.
• At 23:02 - "We do it through absolutely dedicated teachers." - When asked how his school achieves incredible learning growth, Simon immediately attributes the success to the commitment of his teaching staff.
• At 25:53 - "The number one thing I think about wellbeing in schools though is this: it is about belonging." - Simon pinpoints a sense of belonging as the core foundation of a successful student wellbeing strategy.
• At 46:48 - "Become a teacher, it is the greatest job in the world." - Simon makes a passionate final appeal, encouraging people to join the teaching profession because of its rewarding nature.

Takeaways

• Prioritize "learning growth" over simple rankings when evaluating a school's effectiveness, as it better reflects the value a school adds to a student's entire educational journey.
• The human element is paramount; the dedication and passion of teachers are the most critical factors in achieving positive academic outcomes and student development.
• A successful student wellbeing strategy is built on fostering a deep sense of belonging, making students feel connected, purposeful, and valued within the school community.
• For educators, a fulfilling career is fueled by genuine enthusiasm, continuous learning, and seeking out mentorship and practical experience.