When was the last time your school really paused to consider what it means for staff to thrive, not just survive?
Many wellbeing initiatives in schools focus on quick fixes, such as morning teams, yoga sessions, or casual “wellbeing weeks,” which offer temporary boosts but don’t create lasting change.
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Oberthur, retired primary school principal and educational consultant, to explore a more sustainable approach: shifting from individualised wellbeing strategies to strategies for wellbeing - cultural practices and systems that genuinely support staff, reduce stress and foster collaboration. Andrew shares insights from his decades of experience leading schools and his work helping leaders design environments where teachers and staff can flourish.
In this episode, we cover:
- The difference between “wellbeing strategies” (short-term, individualised fixes) and “strategies for wellbeing” (cultural, systemic approaches that benefit all staff)
- Practical approaches like the Right to Disconnect, joint determination and the “pruning cycle” for managing initiatives and workload
- How effective team structures, role clarity and collaboration build a culture of trust and sustainable wellbeing
- The 6 Team Conditions framework for creating high-performing, well-supported teams in schools
- How generational shifts in the workforce are changing what staff expect from school cultures
- Strategies for long-term teacher and staff longevity, including managing parent expectations and realistic workloads
Whether you’re a school leader, administrator, or teacher seeking practical ways to build a more supportive and sustainable school environment, this conversation provides actionable insights that extend far beyond the usual morale boosters.
About Andrew:
Andrew Oberthur is an experienced educator and consultant with over 37 years of teaching and leadership experience in Brisbane primary schools, including 24 years as a principal. Now retired from school leadership, he shares his expertise to help teachers and school leaders sustain their wellbeing, manage workloads and thrive in the profession long-term.
Andrew is the author of three books, a regular contributor to Teachers Matter magazine in New Zealand, and a sought-after presenter on building effective teams, applying the 6 Team Conditions framework, and fostering strong school-parent relationships. He is passionate about creating cultures of trust, collaboration and inquiry, with a particular interest in inclusive education for children with diverse learning needs.
Through this work, Andrew equips schools with practical strategies for wellbeing, promotes positive professional relationships and champions the importance of parents and teachers working together to maximise children’s learning and development.
Links and Resources:
Explore our Staff Wellbeing Survey packages
Read Andrew’s article that inspired today’s conversation:
Well-Being Strategies V Strategies for Well-Being
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Andrew via:
His website: https://creativecollaborativesolutions.au/
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberthur-910196162/
Email: aoberthur@gmail.com
Connect with me via:
My website: adriennehornby.com.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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