Head of Wesley College, Mr Ross Barron, has returned from a sabbatical journey searching for educational insights. Here, in his own words, he shares what he learnt.

Having enjoyed a sabbatical last term, it’s traditional to start a post like this by assuming I was missed and proudly stating that I’m back.

However, due to the incredibly talented people who covered my role, my absence was soon out of people’s minds. Thanks so much to Nathan Jessup and Jo Edinger who worked tirelessly to ensure I returned to a chorus of: “I forgot you were away!”

The sabbatical itself was a great success. There were three main aims – to visit other world-class schools, to meet leaders from different industries, and to catch up with Old Collegians in far-flung places.

To that end, I visited Wesley College Melbourne, Melbourne Grammar School, Geelong College, Bond University, Thomas’s Fulham, Eton College, and Cambridge University. It was immensely pleasing to see that, while every institution is different, Wesley keeps up with the best of them.

I met with Gillon McLachlan, former CEO of the AFL; Dr Nick Coatsworth, media personality and former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia; Stephen Heathcote, Principal Repetiteur and National Touring Associate of the Australian Ballet; Michael Holmes CNN International news anchor; John Langoulant, Agent General for Western Australia in the United Kingdom/Europe region; and various members of Commonwealth Bank’s executive team.

But, as you might imagine, the greatest joy came from connecting with Old Collegians at events held in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, San Francisco, Atlanta, New York and London.

Catching up with Old Collegians in London.

These events were not only about reconnecting with alumni but also about sharing experiences and gathering insights to bring back to the College. The warmth and enthusiasm of our community across these diverse locations reaffirmed the global connection of our Wesley family.

So, what did I learn?

Firstly, let me offer a heartfelt thank you to the Wesley College Council for granting me the opportunity to take a sabbatical. This period was incredibly enriching, and I’m excited to share my key takeaways with you, especially in terms of how they relate to the experiences and education of our students. This is what struck me the most:

The Power of Community Support

I was deeply moved by the incredible support from our Wesley community. I say it often: our greatest asset is how we all work together. While I was away, the College’s amazing team stepped up and managed everything beautifully. I was also reminded of the power of community in nurturing resilience and growth. The magic that is created when fantastic staff, keen students and enthusiastic parents work collaboratively makes all the difference. Knowing that such a capable and caring team surrounds our children should give us all great confidence.

The Value of Diverse Experiences

Meeting with various educators and leaders offered fresh insights into educational practices and broader societal trends. We already strive to provide our students with this diverse exposure through a variety of programs and activities, but I was reminded how crucial it is for children to look beyond their immediate surroundings to develop a well-rounded perspective on the world. Daring to try different experiences and being open to celebrating these differences is woven into the fabric of the College.

Importance of Balance and Wellbeing

Reflecting on the last few years, I realised the critical need for balance and wellbeing. The challenges of leadership, especially through the pandemic, underscored the need for self-care. This lesson is just as important for our students. Encouraging them to balance academics with extracurricular activities, relaxation, and family time is key to their overall happiness and success. Unfortunately, the art of being still, not having every waking moment formally organised, is being lost in the modern world, particularly around technology.

Embracing Change and Innovation

One of the most insightful moments came from a conversation with Gillon McLachlan, former CEO of the AFL, who emphasised the importance of returning from a sabbatical refreshed and slightly different, rather than imposing dozens of changes on others. This perspective models and shapes truly being ready to embrace change. For our students, this means we need to continuously adapt and innovate our teaching methods. By fostering curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, we can help our children thrive in an ever-changing world.

Family and Community Bonds

Lastly, my sabbatical reinforced how vital family and community bonds are. Having my wife Narelle with me during this time added a wonderful personal touch to our experiences. For our students, strong family support and active community involvement provide a foundation of security and belonging that is essential for their growth and wellbeing.

Checking in with John Wesley.

In summary, the experience was one of reflection and growth. I believe I gathered insights that will strengthen Wesley’s commitment to offering an enriching, balanced, and forward-thinking environment for your children. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making Wesley College a place where every student can flourish and where we have space for every tribe.

Also, having lapped the planet a couple of times now, I’m utterly convinced that Perth is just about the greatest place on Earth!