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10:00 am - 10:05 am - 13 May 2026
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
Session - Presentations
We're so excited to welcome you all to the 2026 Online Boarding Conference which will focus on the topic of Connected Leadership.
We've got a great program planned and we look forward to sharing some advice on how to make sure you get the very best out of it.
We've got a great program planned and we look forward to sharing some advice on how to make sure you get the very best out of it.
10:05 am - 10:50 am - 13 May 2026
Connected Leadership in Action: Leading Through Challenge, Strengthening Through Connection with Ant Williams
In a boarding environment, leadership is most tested in moments of pressure, uncertainty and change. This session explores how connected leadership - grounded in strong relationships, clear communication and shared purpose, enables boarding staff to lead effectively through both everyday challenges and times of crisis.
Drawing on real-world examples of teamwork under pressure, this presentation will unpack how bringing people together can turn complex situations into positive outcomes.
It will explore the practical integration of communication, problem-solving, risk awareness and decisive action, while also recognising the human side of leadership, managing emotions, supporting others, and fostering trust.
It will explore the practical integration of communication, problem-solving, risk awareness and decisive action, while also recognising the human side of leadership, managing emotions, supporting others, and fostering trust.
11:00 am - 11:45 am - 13 May 2026
Growing Leaders Within: Building a High-Performing Boarding Team with Lisa Delaney
Lisa Delaney, Deputy Head of College - St Peters Lutheran College, will share her insights and expertise during this thought provoking session.
Strong boarding houses aren’t built by one leader, they are shaped by teams of capable, confident staff who lead in their own right. This session focuses on how leaders can intentionally develop leadership within their boarding teams to create a culture of shared responsibility and sustained success.
Strong boarding houses aren’t built by one leader, they are shaped by teams of capable, confident staff who lead in their own right. This session focuses on how leaders can intentionally develop leadership within their boarding teams to create a culture of shared responsibility and sustained success.
Rather than focusing on leadership in moments of crisis, this presentation explores the day-to-day work of building people, creating clarity, setting expectations, and empowering staff to step up, take ownership and support one another. It will highlight the key elements that underpin a high-performing team, including trust, consistency, accountability and professional growth.
Through practical insights, this session will demonstrate how investing in your people strengthens not only your team, but the experience of every boarder in your care. When leadership is shared, supported and nurtured, boarding environments become more resilient, cohesive and effective.
Through practical insights, this session will demonstrate how investing in your people strengthens not only your team, but the experience of every boarder in your care. When leadership is shared, supported and nurtured, boarding environments become more resilient, cohesive and effective.
11:45 am - 12:05 pm - 13 May 2026
Break
Let's take 20 minutes to refresh before the final few sessions.
12:05 pm - 12:50 pm - 13 May 2026
Creating a Culture of Connection: Strengthening Relationships in Boarding
A thriving boarding house is built on connection. This session explores how intentional relationships between staff and boarders, and among boarders themselves - shape a positive, inclusive and supportive boarding culture.
Focusing on the everyday moments that matter most, this presentation will highlight practical ways to foster trust, belonging and genuine connection within your boarding house. From creating a sense of home, to encouraging peer relationships, to building meaningful staff–student connections, it will explore how culture is not created by chance, but through consistent, deliberate actions.
This session will also examine the role of boarding staff in modelling connection, how presence, empathy and authenticity influence the tone of the entire house. When boarders feel known, valued and supported, they are more likely to engage, build resilience and contribute positively to the community around them.
Liz Birrell will wrap up this fantastic day with her truly insightful views on this critical topic.
As boarding communities become increasingly diverse, the ability to lead with cultural awareness and inclusivity has never been more important. This session explores how boarding leaders and staff can build strong, respectful connections with international boarders and their families, creating environments where every student feels understood, valued and supported.
As boarding communities become increasingly diverse, the ability to lead with cultural awareness and inclusivity has never been more important. This session explores how boarding leaders and staff can build strong, respectful connections with international boarders and their families, creating environments where every student feels understood, valued and supported.
Focusing on both relationships and leadership, this presentation will examine how to foster cultural inclusion within the boarding house, supporting students as they navigate new environments, while also strengthening communication and trust with families who may be geographically and culturally distant.
It will also highlight the importance of building leadership capacity within your boarding team to ensure these connections are consistent, informed and meaningful. From communication approaches to cultural understanding and family engagement, this session will provide practical strategies to help boarding staff create inclusive, connected communities that extend beyond the boarding house.
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm - 13 May 2026
Round up of the day
A final opportunity to review the highlights from the day and consider next steps.