Leading with Purpose: Reflections from the Leadership and Ethics Colloquia

At Sanctuary, we believe great leadership is the heart of quality early childhood education. That’s why we invest so strongly in growing leadership capability across our services through ELEVATE, our Future Leaders Program.

Leadership learning doesn’t stop once you step into a leadership role, though. The best leaders stay curious, keep asking questions and keep growing. This year, our Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Melissa Taylor Hansford, had the privilege of being invited to the Leadership and Ethics Colloquia in Melbourne.

Bringing Leaders Together

The Colloquia brought together 25 leaders from states and territories across Australia to tackle some of the biggest questions facing early childhood today, and to reflect on what ethical practice really looks like in our work with children, families and communities. Facilitated by Dr Melinda Miller and Catherine Hydon, the Colloquia ran over four days alongside the Early Childhood Australia conference.

Stretching Our Thinking

The learning started well before anyone arrived in Melbourne. Participants worked through an extensive reading list designed to challenge assumptions, stretch their thinking and introduce new ideas and perspectives.

Once together, the group engaged in deep dialogue. This approach made room for diverse viewpoints, honest questioning and fresh ways of seeing familiar challenges. It wasn’t about finding quick answers. It was about sitting with complexity and thinking together.

Changed on Many Levels

Participants left the Colloquia changed in more ways than one. They came away with a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with leadership, and a renewed appreciation of the impact that positive, ethical leadership can have across our sector. For Sanctuary, it’s a powerful reminder that when our leaders keep learning, our educators, children and families all benefit.

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