Meet Dr Luke Mandouit

Dr Luke Mandouit joins St Michael’s as the Associate Head – Research, Innovation, and Professional Practice. Luke has been a teacher and school leader for 22 years and brings a wealth of experience to his position. As a student, he had teachers who he fondly remembers “made a difference in his life” and this inspired him to follow the same path and have a positive impact on young people’s lives. After completing a Bachelor of Education, specialising in art and psychology he worked as a classroom teacher and then moved to leadership positions holding roles such as, head of faculty, senior school leader, and Assistant Principal. After teaching for 10 years, he returned to study while working as a teacher and school leader. Luke completed his Master of School Leadership, investigating how student feedback to teachers can enhance their teaching practice. Most recently, he completed his Doctorate of Education exploring how students receive, interpret, and respond to teacher feedback. Upon submission of his thesis, he was awarded the John Smyth Award for most meritorious thesis in the field of education for 2021, an outstanding achievement. A commitment to integrity, empathy and humility has allowed him to remain a student-centred leader and ensure the needs and best interests of learners are always the focus of his practice. Luke believes that schools are not only a place for academic learning, but a place for connection, engagement, and social and emotional development. “It is a place where all members of the school community are viewed as learners.” He is excited about his role at St Michael’s as it allows him to work with passionate teachers and School leaders in implementing the Teaching, Learning, and Caring framework. Luke is also keen to further develop the St Michael’s culture of innovation through university partnerships and joint research projects. He hopes to support the School in improving student and staff learning, wellbeing, and engagement. We welcome Luke to the St Michael’s community and look forward to seeing his contribution to our School in the coming years.