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Leading by Listening – Jennifer Oaten

One of the most valuable things I can do as a leader is listen.

The simple act of sitting down with a student, a parent, or a staff member and giving them space to share can transform how we understand one another. Recently, I met with our Student Leadership Council, and the conversations were honest, thoughtful and full of energy. I came away inspired by their passion for our community and their ideas for its future.

It reminded me that listening is not just a skill. It is a responsibility. And for school leaders, it is one of the most powerful tools we have.

Why Listening Matters in School Leadership

Listening creates connection. It builds trust and allows us to lead with empathy and insight. When people feel heard, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they are more likely to contribute, collaborate and grow.

In a school setting, listening to the voices of students, staff and parents helps us make better decisions. It ensures we are not just working for our community, but working with them.

“When we truly listen, we learn. And when we learn, we lead better.” Jennifer Oaten - Principal

Listening to Student Voice

Students are at the heart of everything we do, and their voice must be part of how we shape the learning environment.

When students feel their opinions are valued, they are more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to take ownership of their education. They also develop confidence in expressing themselves and advocating for what they believe in; skills that are essential well beyond school.

The recent conversations with our Student Leadership Council was a reminder that young people have important perspectives to share. Their ideas were practical, hopeful and full of a desire to contribute. They do not want to be passive participants in their education. They want to be part of shaping it.

How to Embed Student Voice in a School Community

Creating meaningful opportunities for student voice does not happen by chance. It requires intention and follow-through.

Here are a few practical ways to do this:

  • Create regular forums or conversation spaces where students can speak directly with leaders
  • Use student surveys and feedback tools as part of decision-making
  • Involve students in leadership roles and planning committees
  • Encourage classroom practices where students can reflect, offer input, and co-design learning experiences
  • Close the loop—let students know what was heard and what action was taken

During Terms 1 and 2, students will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our next strategic plan. It is one more way we are ensuring their voice shapes the future.

Year 6 leaders with Jennifer OAten

What Educators Gain from Listening to Students

Listening to students is not just for their benefit. Teachers and school leaders also gain valuable insight.

Hearing directly from students can:

  • Highlight what is working and what is not
  • Help us understand their lived experience beyond academic data
  • Build stronger relationships and classroom culture
  • Inform professional learning and curriculum design

When students are involved in shaping their learning, they feel a sense of purpose. And when teachers see the impact of that engagement, it fuels their own motivation and sense of impact.

Listening to Staff and Parent Voice

Listening is one of the most powerful responsibilities we hold as leaders. It helps build trust, deepen understanding and shape a positive, purposeful culture.

Right now, we are gathering feedback through two key initiatives: a staff survey as part of our Thrive at Work program, and a parent survey focused on pathways and preparing students for the future.

The staff survey asks what helps people feel supported, recognised and empowered in their roles. It explores wellbeing, professional growth, inclusion, leadership, and the initiatives that have made a meaningful difference for them. The aim is to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

The parent survey invites families to share their hopes for their daughters and what they believe matters most for success beyond school. It asks about the skills and attributes that should be prioritised, and how we can strengthen the connection between learning and life. Parents are also invited to suggest ways they could partner with us, through sharing expertise or industry opportunities.

These surveys are not about ticking a box. They are about shaping the future together. As we begin developing the next strategic plan, this input from staff and families will help ensure we remain responsive, innovative and true to our values.

Prrent Voice session

The Role of Parents in Listening to Their Children

Just as schools must listen, so must families.

Active listening at home plays a huge role in a child’s confidence, wellbeing and emotional development. When young people feel heard by the adults in their lives, they are more likely to communicate openly and manage challenges with resilience.

A few simple reminders for parents:

  • Make time for conversations without distractions
  • Ask open-ended questions and really listen to the answers
  • Avoid the urge to jump in with a solution, sometimes they just need to be heard
  • Reflect back what you hear to show understanding
  • Let them know their feelings are valid, even if you do not agree with them

Listening helps young people feel secure, supported and ready to face the world with confidence.

Listening, Learning, Leading

Listening takes time, patience and humility. But the return is powerful.

Whether it is a student offering feedback on their learning, a teacher suggesting a new idea, or a parent sharing their perspective, every voice matters. And every voice helps us grow.

As Principal, I am committed to building a community where listening is part of how we lead. Because when we truly listen, we learn. And when we learn, we lead better.

  • Active Listening, Community Engagment, Educational Leadership, Empathy In Education, Featured, Parent Involvement, Staff Wellbeing, Strategic Planning, Student Leadership, Student Voice

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation.  Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world.  Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD.  We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.

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