Being Visible: Strengthening School Culture One Conversation at a Time

One of the key elements of the School Meeting Ecosystem is the practice of daily check-ins between administration (principals or deputy principals) and educators (teachers and education assistants). These aren’t formal sit-downs or performance chats. They’re the informal, purposeful interactions that happen before or after school — those brief but meaningful moments where relationships are built and trust is strengthened.

The goal is simple: to strengthen the relationship between leadership and educators through real conversations, not drive-by greetings.

These touchpoints serve two powerful purposes:

• They help leaders keep their finger on the pulse of the school culture.

• They allow educators to see the person behind the principal’s title.

Importantly, check-ins are more than just a passing "How are you going?" — although that’s still a valuable question. They're about asking open-ended, meaningful questions that show genuine interest and offer valuable insight into how things are really going in classrooms and lives.

You might ask:

• “Are there any challenges with the new student you mentioned?”

• “Last time we spoke, you were trialing a new transition routine after breaks — how’s that working out?”

• “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?”

This exercise is what we call Being Visible — being present to all stakeholders: pupils, peers, parents, and each other. It's about creating the space for a two-minute chat today that can lead to a deeper, more strategic conversation tomorrow.The

Research Behind Visibility

Research consistently shows the power of regular leader check-ins. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that employees who had meaningful check-ins with a supervisor at least once a week were three times more likely to be engaged at work compared to those who had fewer interactions. In education, this translates directly to stronger relationships, quicker intervention when challenges arise, and a healthier, more connected school culture.

Real Life in Action: Principal Lesley Barrett

Lesley Barrett, Principal at Neerigen Brook Primary School, lives and breathes this practice. Before and after learning time, you’ll find Lesley out on the school grounds, circulating among staff and students, starting conversations. She calls out positive student behaviour, checks in with educators, and offers practical support early — aiming to spot potential issues before they become bigger problems.

In her interview on the Conversations with Courageous Educators podcast, Lesley spoke about the discipline required to stay visible and the payoff it brings. She emphasised that genuine interactions, invested time, and a positive mindset build not just better relationships, but happier, more successful learning environments.

It's About Consistency, Not Perfection

Of course, not every staff member gets seen every day. And that’s okay. It’s about making sure every educator connects with an administration team member at least once a fortnight in a meaningful way.The by-product? You catch the small things before they grow. You educate through conversation. You offer real support in real time.

Imagine what just 20 minutes a day walking your school grounds — having authentic conversations — could do for your awareness, your relationships, and your school’s culture.

Being visible isn’t just good leadership practice. It’s a culture-builder.