IBSC Sustainable Success in School Well-Being

The Wellbeing Distillery

An Online Program for Leaders and Educators in Boys' Schools

April 28, 2025

   

School leaders face an overwhelming array of well-being challenges, priorities, and initiatives. This online program aims to “relax the shoulders” of leaders by providing clarity through a structured School Well-Being Operating System (swOS).

Justin Robinson and David Bott from The Wellbeing Distillery share key lessons from 15 years of global experience — including developing Geelong Grammar School’s Positive Education model and advising hundreds of schools worldwide. They outline common pitfalls and present practical, actionable strategies to help leaders ignite well-being efforts, empower teachers, and ultimately support thriving students. Their Operating System is designed to transform well-being from a burden into a sustainable, integrated part of school culture.

Three experienced heads of IBSC schools join them: Ross Featherston of Brighton Grammar School (Australia), Dean Dell’Oro of Hale School (Australia), and David Roberts of Prince Alfred College (Australia). During a panel discussion, they offer insights on leading whole-school well-being approaches. Hear directly from these leaders on teacher well-being, leadership strategies, and developing a taught well-being curriculum for boys.

Join us to gain clarity, practical tools, and inspiration to strengthen well-being in your school.

Who Should Attend?

School leaders, well-being coordinators, heads of pastoral care, and any staff involved in developing or implementing whole-school well-being strategies for boys

Format

Available exclusively to IBSC members, participate in a scheduled 90-minute interactive session using Zoom.

Monday, April 28, 4:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM SAST 
Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 AM AEST, 8:00 AM NZST 
Check the time in your time zone.
90 minutes

All attendees registered for the live session also gain access to the event recording and any associated resources for 21 days after the event. Even if your schedule cannot accommodate the live event, register so you can watch the recording at your convenience.

Please note: The recording of this event is exclusively for registered attendees’ individual use. We kindly request your cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the content.

Registration

Space limited to the first 90 members who register. Registration closes April 28, or when it reaches capacity, whichever occurs first.

  • IBSC member rate for 1-3 people from the same school: US$185 per person
  • IBSC member rate for 4+ people from the same school: US$160 per person
  • Nonmember rate: US$240

Group Screening Access for IBSC Members

Interested in using this session for professional development at your school? IBSC member schools can access the recording for group screenings at a discounted rate. Access to the recording, available after April 28, lasts 21 days. To register for group access, choose the group screening rate option on the registration form.

Group Screening

  • IBSC member rate: US$1,500

The group screening option includes the recording of the 90-minute presentation and Q&A. This option does not include access to the live event. One person will have access to the recording to screen it for colleagues at their member school.

Contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org for more details.

Refund Policy: IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by April 14, 2025. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.

Login: Watch your email for login information on April 21, 2025. If you registered for the class later than this date, watch for login information within 24 hours.

Participation certificates: Participants present for the live online session will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the event.

Presenters

David BottDavid Bott

David Bott is the cofounder of The Wellbeing Distillery, helping schools worldwide embed well-being science into culture and strategy. A sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, he has supported thousands of educators across hundreds of schools in designing system-level approaches to well-being. Previously, Bott was associate director at the Institute of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School and spent 15 years as a teacher and leader in Australia and the United Kingdom. Bott was a founding member of the UAE Government’s Dubai Future Council for Education and serves on the Positive Education Schools Association board. Coauthor of 10 Things Schools Get Wrong, Bott’s work blends research, leadership, and real-world impact.

Justin RobinsonJustin Robinson

Justin Robinson is the cofounder of The Wellbeing Distillery, supporting hundreds of schools across Australia and 11 countries with well-being education. Previously, he was the founding director of the Institute of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School. Known for deep listening, storytelling, and inspiring change, Robinson spent over 20 years as a teacher and leader. A coauthor of Essential Mathematics and My Manifesto, he holds a master of education from Monash and is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Named in The Educator’s Top 50 Hot List, he also serves as treasurer of the International Positive Education Network.

Heads' Panel

Dean Dell’Oro

Dean Dell'Oro has been headmaster of Hale School (Australia) since 2017. Originally an engineer he transitioned into education, bringing a global perspective shaped by experience in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Dell’Oro has held senior leadership roles at Geelong Grammar and Brentwood School in London. He is passionate about holistic education and active in the wider community, serving on several boards. His focus remains on preparing boys to lead with purpose in a global, changing world.

Ross Featherston

Ross Featherston is the eighth headmaster of Brighton Grammar School (Australia), appointed in 2014. With a background in teaching and leadership across several prominent independent schools, he brings deep expertise in both curriculum and student well-being. Featherston has led the development of BGS’s Positive Masculinity framework and coauthored published research in this field. Under his leadership the school has embraced a bold strategic vision, with student well-being and character development placed at its heart.

David Roberts

David Roberts became the 12th headmaster of Prince Alfred College (Australia) in 2022. With over two decades of experience, he has held senior roles at Newington College, St. Leonard’s, and Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop and Corio campuses. Roberts is driven by a deep love for teaching and a belief in the power of strong relationships. At PAC he champions well-being, critical thinking, and ethical leadership—ensuring boys grow into capable, thoughtful young men ready to contribute to society.

Questions?

Please contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org.