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Catherine

Catherine Shaw radiates a passion for life, education and nature that is both magnetic and infectious. Across the last five years Catherine has been at helm of The Nature School (TNS) purposively and passionately guiding young hearts and minds through their primary years with the natural world at the heart of their learning. Wildflowers, hiking, birdwatching and the famed TNS Adventure Days are a far cry from her former life at an inner city private school. It seems fortune favours the bold and in 2023 Catherine will embark on the next leg of her leadership journey as TNS launches their much awaited secondary school.

Catherine, your joy and

energy for sharing your love of nature, education and life is palpable – can you share your journey to your current role as Head of The Nature School? Where did it all begin?

I’m not sure where it really began. Perhaps as a child who loved wildflowers and stories. HEAD OF THE NATURE SCHOOL

Perhaps as a young teacher who wanted to make a difference. Perhaps as a mother, challenged by everything I thought I knew about education once I had my own children. It all aligns for me at The Nature School.

How did you traverse the jump from a city based private school teacher to being at the helm of the Nature School with an earth and science focus?

It was a huge transition, involving more than just switching Sydney heels for hiking boots! As the founding Head of The Nature School there was so much to learn and a huge body of work to be created to ensure a high standard of curriculum and compliance. There was also much to unlearn as we sought to pioneer something new in education. It’s so easy to do things the way they’ve always been done without questioning why. The nature aspect was pure delight. Taking students into the bush for the first time, helping them to identify species of birds, felt like coming home.

What are the pinnacle or pivotal moments that have marked or changed the course of your career?

There have been a few significant moments. In hindsight, I recall the first time I heard the term “nature pedagogy” when my own daughter was in preschool. I read widely about it, connected with global leaders in the field, and wrote many articles about young children and nature play, risky play, and

The nature all-weather play. I could aspect was never have known then pure delight. Taking that I would one day students into the lead a school like The bush for the first Nature School. time, helping them A recent pinnacle to identify species moment for me was of birds, felt like being named a finalist coming home. for Australian Primary Principal of the Year (non-government). I was so proud to represent a small, regional school doing things differently, and be recognised for doing it well.

How has your leadership style evolved from those early days until now?

When we opened in 2018 we were a tiny school with just 2 staff and 22 students. Now in our fifth year we have almost 120 students

and 20 staff, and we’re still growing. Next year we open The Nature School Secondary! After initially holding everything myself, it takes time to learn to let go and delegate to others. I’m so grateful for our staff. Not only do they help to share the load, but they constantly teach me how to be a leader they want to follow.

You are a mentor for many through your leading role at the school, to both adults and children in your school and broader community. How important are mentors in your journey and what is the most valuable lesson they have taught you?

I am deeply appreciative of the mentors in my life. I have a professional supervisor who coaches me in work, life, faith, family and getting the balance right. I also have experienced mentor Principals who I connect with when facing professional challenges. The best lesson they’ve taught me? You have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak.

What do feel are the ingredients for meaningful leadership that drives a positive workplace and outcomes for the school and your students ?

As a leader of any workplace I think you set the atmosphere. Perhaps I’m idealistic, but I think school should be a place where students want to be and teachers want to work! Because of that, I greet every student, every day with a smile and a “Good morning!” I’m genuinely glad to see them and want them to be reassured that each day is a fresh start with a positive beginning.

I place a high priority on relationships. “I appreciate you,” is a phrase I say often to staff and students – and I mean it. I’m grateful for who they are and for what they bring to our learning community. People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care. I strive to be easy to work with, and never ask anyone to do a task that I wouldn’t do myself.

What is your relationship with risk? How

I place a high priority on relationships. “I appreciate you,” is a critical has it been phrase I say often to to you professional staff and students – and your journey and I mean it. I’m as a leader and an grateful for who they educator? are and for what they When I left my bring to our learning community. comfortable position at a Sydney school, a colleague gave me a bracelet inscribed with the quote: “What if I fall?” “Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” As an educational leader I’ve learned to embrace reasonable risk and do brave things. We teach our students how to do brave things like climbing trees by assessing the risks and implementing mitigation strategies, because we believe in the benefits. Similarly, it’s been important for me to make some professionally brave choices, but by identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks we get to experience the benefits.

How integral is your team to delivering on The Nature School Mission?

Our mission is to create a community where children learn and shine through authentic experiences in nature to become engaged global citizens. No one person can build a community. It takes a team, and our team is nothing short of incredible. We have a brilliant Business Manager. Passionate educators. Caring support staff. A dedicated Board of Directors. Wonderful volunteers. Each person brings something unique to the community.

What has been your biggest challenge in your own professional journey?

I think the biggest challenge has been proving that a robust academic program can coexist with nature-based pedagogy, and that learning isn’t compromised, but actually enhanced.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned in life and business?

The work is never done. Do everything you can in a day and let go of what you can’t.

How important is connection to nature and family in being able to lead from the front and give your best?

I have two awesome teenagers and a wonderful husband. Time with them, particularly chasing birds or waterfalls, is my perfect weekend recharge. Even though I’m blessed with my dream job, being a mother and wife is my most important role.

What advice would you give someone taking a leap of faith into a new leadership role and a new environment?

Know your why. It will drive your direction, carry you through the hard days, and draw others into your vision.

Catherine Shaw catherine@tns.nsw.edu.au

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