S1:E6: Lesley Barrett: Striving to Achieve

Luke George's Conversations with Courageous Educators

Lesley Barrett, the Principal of Neerigen Brook Primary School, leads a marginalized school where 36 different languages are spoken and 25% of the population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Over the past eight years, Lesley has made incredible strides in transforming the school, its staff, the community, and the students.
In this episode, Lesley shares the courageous steps she took to implement changes that made a significant impact. She emphasizes the power of conversations and relationship-building, highlighting the need for constant and consistent dialogue among all members of the school community. Lesley also discusses building capacity within students, staff, and administration to support and enhance children's educational journeys.
Lesley stands by the school's motto, "Strive to Achieve," and talks about the importance of embracing and helping the community to overcome barriers to student learning. She shares her wealth of knowledge and the efforts that have led to the creation of a yarning circle—a symbol of inclusivity and community spirit that has grown into something much bigger than she initially envisioned.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Principal Lesley Barrett and learn how her dedication and vision have brought about transformative change. This episode is a must-listen for courageous educators seeking inspiration and practical insights into fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

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1. Introduction to Lesley Barrett and Neerigen Brook Primary School (00:00:00)

2. Challenges Faced by the Community and the Importance of Teaching and Learning (00:07:08)

3. Supporting the Community and Building Trust (00:14:43)

4. Lesley Barrett's Journey from Teaching to Policing and Back to Teaching (00:18:29)

5. Initiatives and Projects at Neerigen Brook Primary School (00:26:04)

6. Tips for Principals and Teachers (00:37:05)

7. The Center of Excellence in Explicit Teaching of Literacy (00:42:17)

8. Summary and Conclusion (00:48:28)