IBSC Ideas Lab

Professional Conversations for Senior Leaders of Boys’ Schools

Australia and New Zealand

September 16, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEST

October 14, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEDT

November 11, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEDT

IBSC Ideas Lab invites senior leaders of member schools in Australia and New Zealand to connect virtually using the free online tool Zoom. Limited to 12 participants plus facilitators, each IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss topics focused on boys and boys’ schools.

Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Each session starts with a 10-minute introduction from a global guest to jumpstart a facilitated conversation on the topic. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.

Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining every session within a cohort get preference in registration to support the success of each small group.

Who Should Attend?

Senior leaders from member schools, including deputy heads, directors, division heads, executive committee members, and others who aspire to headship of a boys’ school in Australia and New Zealand

Course Format

IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Anthony Micallef, headmaster, Brisbane Grammar School (Australia), facilitates each session with thought-provoking input from guest presenters who contextualize each topic. This IBSC Ideas Lab focuses on these topics:

Conversation 1

September 16, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEST

Topics Facing Heads of Boys’ Schools

Guest Presenter: Byron Hulsey, Headmaster, Woodberry Forest School (United States)

What issues at your school keep you up at night and occupy your thoughts during the day? Engage with fellow heads of school to examine and discuss such issues as following school mission and values, considering their relevancy in today’s climate, creating a welcoming environment for boys, cultivating connection among boys, staff, and families, welcoming and acclimating new families and staff, building equity and inclusion, exploring concepts of masculinity, finding best practices to educate boys, and strengthening leadership and governance. Dive into how these vital issues impact boys and our schools.

Conversation 2

October 14, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEDT

The Head and the Heart

Guest Presenter: Lester Lalla, Headmaster, St. John’s Preparatory School (South Africa)

How do you prioritize your own well-being and present an effective role model for your staff to do the same? Join leaders to discuss caring for yourself, managing stress, creating healthy cultures, practicing mindfulness, enhancing faculty wellness, and sustaining leadership energy.

Conversation 3

November 11, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 AM AEDT

Write a New Narrative for Boys’ Schools

Guest Presenter: Tom Batty, Principal, Scotch College (Australia)

What is the narrative for your school? Explore ways to broaden definitions of masculinity, foster belonging in boys’ schools, create safe spaces for boys in our schools, view success in a modern context, marry tradition with the demands of modern society, and establish boys’ schools as places of purpose.

Facilitator

Anthony Micallef

Anthony Micallef commenced as the 12th headmaster (and chief executive) of Brisbane Grammar School (Australia) on January 1, 2014. For the past 28 years he has served Brisbane Grammar School in several key management roles, including deputy headmaster students, acting headmaster, head of department, head of year, and master-in-charge of sporting and cultural activities.

Micallef has a strong academic background with a bachelor of arts, diploma of education, and a master of arts. He has also completed a sabbatical at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and serves on the IBSC board of trustees. Most recently Micallef has completed the IMD – High-Performance Leadership Program in Lausanne, Switzerland.

He has been instrumental in developing student-related programs, structures, and policies, most significantly in the areas of student leadership, personal development curriculum, student services, community service, boarding, and outdoor education. Micallef combines his strong academic, pastoral, and sporting background with a collaborative style of leadership and an ardent belief in creating an inclusive educational environment where individual strengths can be encouraged and nurtured.

Registration

IBSC member rate: $150

Contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org with any questions.

Refund Policy

IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received two weeks prior to the class. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.

Please note: Participants will receive detailed call information and meeting invitations after registration closes.