The Legacy Collective

How Compassionate Leadership Unlocks Student Potential → Principal Mark Hitchen

In this inspiring Legacy Collective episode, Brendan sits down with Principal Mark Hitchen of Mount Warren Park State School. Mark shares how his school’s vision of Strive to Succeed goes beyond academics — focusing on unlocking each child’s promise through safety, respect, and meaningful relationships. You’ll hear real stories of community connection, the power of empathy in leadership, and how purposeful partnerships between school and home create lasting impact. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school coordinator, this heartfelt conversation will leave you feeling inspired and supported. 00:00:43 Student Success Story 00:05:09 Strategies for Teaching 00:07:53 Students with Disabilities 00:10:26 Culture within the Staff and Student Body 00:13:43 Celebrating Events: School Fun Run 00:18:20 P&C 00:20:20 Family Life & Martial Arts 00:24:29 Who Influenced You? 00:29:32 Mark's Favorite Primary Teacher 00:33:16 Leadership Role 00:35:58 Why Mark got into Education 00:39:23 Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom 00:44:09 Final Words ★★★★★ Proudly brought to you by School Fun Run — where we help you create unforgettable fundraising memories, without the stress. 👉 Book your own fun run today → https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat [https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat] 📞 Or call us on 1800 FUN RUN

Building a School Community with Purpose | Legacy Collective with Clay McCann

In this powerful episode of The Legacy Collective, we sit down with Clay McCann, the founding Principal of Gainsborough State School, to talk about the heart behind building a school from the ground up — not just in bricks and mortar, but in culture, connection, and community. Clay shares his passion for creating a space where kids love to learn, families feel part of something bigger, and every person — parent, teacher, or child — is treated with dignity and respect. With high standards and a big vision, Clay walks us through what it really takes to lead a school that puts people first. If you're a parent, educator or P&C member who cares about creating lasting impact in your school, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe to the Legacy Collective for more real conversations with the people shaping stronger school communities across Australia. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-legacy-collective/id1800062638 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-legacy-collective/id1800062638] 🔗 Learn more about School Fun Run and how we support amazing leaders like Clay at https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/fun-run-podcasts [https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/fun-run-podcasts] schoolfundraising.com.au 00:45 Clay's influence on his pupils 07:35 Positive school culture 10:35 Lessons learned from being a foundation principal 15:04 Clay's favorite teacher: Mr Pitt 18:55 Leadership strategy 21:25 School culture 25:55 More than just a job! 27:29 Does Clay recommend a teaching career? 29:45 Final thoughts

Alan’s Legacy: Why He Keeps Volunteering

Alan Knight might not have kids in primary school anymore — but that hasn’t stopped him from showing up. As Treasurer of the Kawana Waters State College P&C, and a proud grandfather of two, Alan shares why he continues to be actively involved in his school community. In this heartfelt chat, he opens up about the joy he gets from giving back, how School Fun Run has supported their fundraising goals, and the powerful legacy P&C groups leave behind. 💬 “You don’t need to have a child at the school to care about the community.” 🎧 Tune in to hear why being part of the School Fun Run family means so much — and how one man’s commitment is making a lasting difference. 📍 Learn more or book your own fundraiser: https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat [https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat] ☎️ Need help? Call us on 1800 386 786 00:53 How Alan first got involved in his grandkid's school 06:48 Alan was new to Australia when he started volunteering 08:41 Kawana Water State College 20:09 What Alan gets out of the P&C 21:40 Working with School Fun Run 23:46 Does Alan recommend joining the P&C? 26:02 The P&C legacy #SchoolFunRun #TheLegacyCollective #PCVolunteers #CommunityHeroes #SchoolFundraisingIdeas #GrandparentsWhoGiveBack #ColourRunAustralia

Empathy in Action — Leanne Butterworth on Being Heard, Valued & Visible

This week on The Legacy Collective, we sit down with empathy educator, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate Leanne Butterworth — a powerhouse of purpose with a message every school community needs to hear. 💬 “When people feel heard, valued and visible — everything changes.” In this episode, Leanne shares how empathy-based communication can transform our schools, our communities and our connections. From parenting to leadership, she’s on a mission to create happier, healthier environments where we all feel like we matter. It’s a must-listen for anyone who works with people — especially the incredible coordinators, teachers and parents we serve every day. 💛 00:43 What is empathy? 05:01 Practical examples of empathy. 10:10 Parenting in a digital age. 14:47 The lack of empathy hurts us. 21:33 Practical ways to work on your empathy. 26:46 Leanne's story 35:30 Teenagers 40:33 Facing the same direction 44:26 More tips for parents 49:11 Contact Leanne 🎧 Tune in now → [insert link] #LegacyCollective #EmpathyInAction #SchoolFunRun #LeanneButterworth #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityConnection #FeelHeard #SchoolCulture #ParentingWithEmpathy #bettertogether

P&C President: Janelle

“Behind the School Gate” with Janelle In this heartwarming episode of The Legacy Collective, Brendan from School Fun Run sits down with Janelle — a mum of two and a proud past member of her school’s P&C. Janelle opens up about what being on the P&C really involves, how she balanced volunteering with family life, and the incredible sense of community and purpose it gave her. She shares practical tips for new or future P&C members, what she wished she knew when she started, and how these roles help shape more than just school events — they build lifelong connections and community pride. Whether you're already part of a school committee or just thinking about getting involved, this episode is packed with genuine insights, relatable stories, and inspiration to help you leave your own legacy in your school community. 📲 Listen now and discover how your small acts can make a big difference. 00:56 Janelle as a Mum 09:50 Why Janelle joined the P&C 16:02 Legacy 18:15 P&C life 19:58 Benefits of being on the P&C 25:38 Tips for P&C members 29:11 Advice for new members 33:33 School Fun Run vs other fund raising companies 41:28 Why you should join the P&C 43:06 Definition of the P&C