Welcome to School Leadership Matters, a podcast proudly produced by Catholic Education Sandhurst.

Leadership shows up everywhere - in classrooms, in teams, and in the small decisions we make every day.

This podcast dives into the big ideas and everyday moments that shape leadership in our schools. From deputies and principals to aspiring leaders, we unpack what leadership really looks like: saying yes to opportunities, developing leadership capability, and finding mentors and trusted colleagues across our system.

Hosted by Catholic Education Sandhurst Deputy Director Darta Hovey, School Leadership Matters brings together diverse leadership perspectives and explores what they mean in an educational context.

You’ll also hear about Aedificare - our leadership program that builds the knowledge, vision and skills of staff who are leading now and those aspiring to lead in their school community.

With insights from respected leaders, expert guests and voices from across our 51 schools in regional Victoria, we’ll keep asking the question: what matters in school leadership?

So whether you’re a current leader, an aspiring one, or still finding your feet, this is your place to learn and lead in schools.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in school leadership.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 52 Catholic schools across rural and regional Victoria, educating more than 15,000 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

What does school leadership look like in real life, beyond titles and organisational charts?

In our launch episode of School Leadership Matters, host Darta Hovey sits down with School Improvement Leader Kendall Aglinskas, to unpack formation, trust and the ‘first conversations’ that shape confident, ethical leaders.

From launching our leadership program Aedificare across the Sandhurst Diocese, to the everyday practice of leading people, they discuss what helps emerging leaders say “yes”, build capability, and keep students at the centre.

Together, Darta and Kendall explore:

• The Aedificare program - its purpose, reach, and what participants are really asking for.
• How relational leadership shows up in practice, from building trust to timing tricky conversations and returning to the “why”.
• Practical growth moves for emerging leaders
• How system coherence supports culture
• And ways to navigate seasons of leadership, so life changes doesn't mean stepping away from impact or ambition.

Leadership shows up in classrooms, teams and the decisions we make every day. This episode offers practical steps, candid stories, and a clear invitation to keep growing wherever you are on the journey.

So let’s explore what truly matters in school leadership.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,298 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10).

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

What does leadership development look like when every person can see a pathway forward?

In this episode of School Leadership Matters, host Darta Hovey (Deputy Director - Mission & Education Development) is joined by Ashley Marsh (Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding) to explore the development of a new leadership framework and the opportunities it creates for staff across our system.

Together, they discuss why leadership development can no longer be focused solely on principalship, and how Catholic Education Sandhurst is building clearer pathways for aspiring leaders, middle leaders and those looking to take the next step in their professional journey.

Together, Darta and Ash explore:

• Why strong leadership exists at every level of a school, not just in formal leadership positions.
• How the new leadership framework creates greater clarity around leadership pathways and professional growth.
• The importance of identifying and nurturing emerging leaders across our schools.
• How the Cultural Covenant, particularly the commitment to ‘know better, do better’, is shaping leadership formation.
• Why addressing rural and regional disadvantage means creating equitable access to leadership development opportunities.
• The role of professional learning, mentoring and system support in helping leaders grow with confidence.

Whether you are an aspiring leader, a middle leader, a principal or simply considering your next step, this episode explores the power of clear pathways, shared responsibility and leadership growth that doesn't happen by chance.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in school leadership.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 52 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating more than 15,000 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10).

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.