OSG Principals’ Conference
This week I had the pleasure of attending the AU OSG Campus Principals and Heads of Department Conference, where our focus was deepening alignment across campuses and progressing several strategic projects that will shape our next phase of growth.
A standout moment was the keynote from Lisa McInnes‑Smith, who drew on her decades of experience as a teacher, sports psychologist and speaker to explore how small habits, intentional language and purposeful relationships create the conditions for sustained high performance. At the heart of Lisa’s message was the idea of personal leadership—the daily choices we make each day have the greatest impact over the long term. She posed a deceptively simple but powerful question: “Where have you led yourself over the last 30 days?”
Lisa challenged us to consider employing micro habits as catalysts for meaningful personal and organisational change. Inspired by the logic of the book “Atomic Habits,” she encouraged selecting one manageable, repeatable behaviour and committing to it for at least 30 days, up to a full year. She describes that this approach reduces friction, builds momentum, and sets the foundation for long-term transformation. An example was her personal challenge of getting stronger, just starting with a simple “two push-ups” a day —an action so small the brain won’t resist it! She stated that you are likely to do many more push ups once you have done those two – you just need to start! Lisa connected that just one small focused habit, like doing just two push ups, if repeated daily - rather than a long list of ambitious routines that quickly becomes unsustainable – are more likely to “stick” and move you forward over the long term!
“Two push ups is the secret. The brain won’t resist two!” Lisa McInnes-Smith
To achieve high performance, Lisa explained, is less about genius and perfection, and more about disciplined attention to the small things you do every day.
Lisa left us with a challenge! To identify one micro habit to implement over the next 30 days, then review, and reset … and go again! Before long, you will have made long-term significant improvements.
“Start with one small habit and keep it for a year. The cumulative effect will be transformative!”
On Campus
This week in Secondary, students explored the importance of developing a weekly Study Plan, focusing on how good planning helps them stay organised, set realistic goals and build strong, consistent learning routines. Homeroom time, LC check‑ins and follow‑up tutorials continue to support students in reflecting on their progress, adjusting strategies when needed and seeking help early.
Homeroom teachers also held MAP Learning Conversations, where students set SMART goals informed by their MAP Growth data; these goals, along with each student’s MAP Family Report, will be sent home at the end of next week. We were also delighted to celebrate our 2025 DUX, Beulah Joyce, recognising her dedication and impressive SACE achievements, and to congratulate our Week 4 Students of the Week, Zander and Lennox, for their outstanding efforts.
