Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) is the Island’s only school, serving students from reception to year 12 across 3 campuses. In 2025, all leaders at Band B-3 level and above participated in Orbis’ Leadership Coaching program, with the aim of involving the entire leadership team by early 2026.
Principal Peter Philp’s vision is to establish a consistent leadership culture throughout all sites. The Growth Coaching framework has provided a common understanding and approach, transforming communication and strengthening leadership practices at KICE.
Peter first encountered a coaching program in 2011, calling it one of the most valuable professional learning experiences of his career. Revisiting the framework in the recent Leadership Coaching program reminded him of key practices he wanted to reintroduce in his leadership and embed within his team. He believes it is vital for the entire leadership team to participate, creating a truly integrated leadership approach.
The program has enhanced the way school leaders engage with staff and students, leading to conversations that are more reflective, constructive, and purposeful. Leaders now focus on active listening and asking questions that encourage reflection, and support teachers and students to set their own goals rather than providing immediate direction.
For Peter, revisiting these coaching methods has reinvigorated his leadership with renewed clarity and focus. As more leaders join the program, KICE is developing a unified, reflective and capable team that supports the whole school community.
This collaborative approach is fostering a culture of unity and trust across KICE’s geographically distant campuses. As each leader attends, the school strengthens its ability to provide a consistent learning experience for students and a growth-oriented culture for staff.
“The biggest difference is the shared understanding of how we communicate as leaders. When you’ve got campuses 40, 60, and 80 kilometres apart, that consistency makes a huge difference.”
Peter Philp, Kangaroo Island Community Education