Is there a conversation you have been putting off?
Important conversations are a part of every school community, yet they are often the ones we hesitate to have. They can feel uncomfortable, emotional or uncertain, but they also shape trust, connection and the culture we work in every day.
In this episode of the School of Wellbeing podcast, I sit down with primary school principal Kel Innis to explore the reality of important conversations in schools. We talk about why these moments can feel uncomfortable, what helps us stay steady and how shifting from avoiding to approaching can strengthen trust, connection and culture.
Kel shares the practical steps she uses to prepare herself, stay grounded in the moment and follow up in ways that make people feel heard and respected.
It’s a grounded and generous conversation that will support you to communicate with more care and confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode…
- What makes a conversation “important” in a school context.
- Why avoidance often creates more complexity.
- How preparation and emotional intelligence support better outcomes.
- What helps leaders regulate in real time.
- Why follow up and repair matter as much as the conversation itself.
- And so much more…
Who is Kel Innis?
Kel Innis is an experienced primary school principal and a mother to four children. She brings honesty, clarity and a deeply human perspective to the work of leading conversations that influence staff, students and families.
I have had the joy of working closely with Kel and the Lindisfarne Primary School staff, and I have seen firsthand what is possible when leaders show up, keep learning and lean into the work.
Why this conversation matters…
Schools run on relationships, and relationships rely on clear communication. The conversations we put off often shape culture more than the conversations we have.
Learning how to approach important conversations with clarity and care helps create environments where people feel seen, heard and respected.
This episode will support you to steady yourself, step in and communicate in ways that build trust and connection.
You can quote us on that…
““Conversations are messy, and that’s okay.”
Kel Innis
“If avoiding the conversation is also going to have an impact, then it’s probably pretty important to have it.”
Kel Innis
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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