21 December 2023
In this Q&A, Principal Stuart Meade reflects on his career, achievements and legacy over seven years at Matthew Flinders Anglican College from 2017 to 2023.
To learn about Stuart’s immense contribution to the College during his tenure, please click here to read on below.
Q&A Profile with Stuart Meade, Retiring Principal
Stuart, why did you decide to become a teacher in the first place?
I had two wonderful role models when I was at school. While I do not recall ever speaking directly with them about a career in the classroom, I noticed how much enjoyment they derived from their jobs – one as an Economics teacher and the other in his role as a boarding master and rugby coach. When I left school I applied for a teacher’s scholarship and went from there.
Why did you set your sights on becoming a school principal? From your vast experience, what advice do you have for early-career principals?
I never intended to be a principal. Even as Deputy Head at Cranbrook, taking the next step was not on my radar. It was the Head at Cranbrook, who had come from West Australia, who encouraged me to apply for certain roles. The one he suggested in WA was way out of my league, but I applied and was fortunate enough to be offered the role.
Starting as a principal now is very different to what it was when I commenced this journey 21 years ago. However, one thing remains important – build the best team you can around you. You do not have to be the best, most knowledgeable or smartest person ‘in the room’. Get people good at their jobs who share the same vision, not all the same ideas, around the table. Then empower them to lead.
Can you recall what you were most excited and nervous about when commencing at Flinders in 2017?
I was excited to be returning to a co-educational environment. I was excited to be coming to a ‘young’ school without 100+ years of tradition dictating what goes on. I was excited about the challenges that come with moving to a new school community; they are vibrant and energising, and I hoped I could add something to the school.
The school had been through a few rough patches in the years prior to my arrival, I was a little nervous about whether I would be the ‘right fit’ for the community and how open the staff would be to the direction I felt the school should go.
What was your vision for your contribution as Principal at Flinders?
I would not call it a ‘vision’ as I knew I had to listen for a while and work out what was going to work. A trap is to try and impose a blueprint that may have worked elsewhere onto a different environment. I soon realised the potential for Flinders was enormous. So many really good things were happening, it was a case of harnessing the energy and creativity, and putting a few different structures in place to enable the school to flourish. Hopefully, some of this has been realised.
What goals did you set for yourself or for the College that you are most proud of achieving while at Flinders?
As mentioned before, I did not have set goals in mind. I wanted to ‘read the room’ and build on all the good things that were already happening here. From a strategic perspective, I believe the College has a clear vision and direction, that may have been a bit clouded in the past; really understanding who we are as a school. When we had the 30-year celebrations, albeit muted in the COVID era, I said we were no longer a ‘teenage’ school that needed to please everyone. We had to decide who we are and what we stand for and be unapologetic about that. We could not be all things to all people. I think we have achieved that.
Without wanting to join the education ‘arms race’, there were facilities that needed an upgrade. We have set a standard going forward in this space. There are also some exciting programs in place with outstanding people in charge of them too, while our core business remains at the forefront of all that we do.
Please share some highlights of your principalship.
Without being trite, each day in this role has the potential to provide a highlight. It could be a conversation with a member of staff, a simple interaction with a student or having a ‘win’ in a difficult family situation.
On a more macro scale, aspects I am proud of include the appointment of some awesome staff, enabling students to leave as confident, caring young adults who know their place in the wider world and setting the school in a positive direction with the facilities.
What will you miss about being Principal of Flinders?
I will miss my interactions with the students; they are the reason I went into teaching 40 years ago, and remain the joy of this role. I love watching students challenge themselves, individually or in a team context, in the classroom or outside it. Seeing their satisfaction, enjoyment and/or determination as they apply themselves is priceless. I will miss being in the audience, on the sidelines, as a coach or as a ‘guide’ as they do their stuff.
I will also miss working with dedicated educators and experts in their field. The diversity of the daily interactions is enormous and feeds a desire to do better. I will miss that too.
What did you learn about yourself while at Flinders?
In some ways, Flinders has a different culture from that I have experienced before. I had to come to terms with that and change my approach to various aspects of my role. I had to choose which battles to let go of and which areas I needed to stand my ground on.
Staff wellbeing is another aspect of the role which has changed in recent years and one ignores it at one’s peril and that of the school. There is no one answer; however, it must be kept in mind at all times.
What have you and Susie enjoyed about your lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is a superb place to live. I would love for my children to have grown up here but then again, it is similar in many ways to Perth. It is still unknown to many people outside of Queensland but I guess the next few years will blow that out of the water.
Point Cartwright is our ‘go-to’ spot; the river, the beach, the park. Susie walks the dogs there every morning – rain, hail or shine – and is part of a wonderful community there.
After retiring from Flinders, what are your and Susie’s plans for the future?
Initially, we are returning to West Australia to be closer to our family who remained there when we left seven years ago. We now have a grandchild and we are keen to be part of her life as she grows up. I am sure I will find something in schools to occupy my time, not on a full-time basis but in a capacity for me to assist in some way.
