Building Thriving School Communities Through a Focus on Wellbeing with David Kolpak | Season 3: Episode 9

Many schools face a common challenge: how to cultivate staff wellbeing and build a thriving culture amid fragmented efforts and wellbeing initiatives that often fall short or don’t last. Leaders want teams that feel connected, supported and energised, because when staff wellbeing flourishes, students benefit too, and the whole school community thrives. Yet, creating this kind of cohesive, sustainable wellbeing culture is far from straightforward.

In this episode, we welcome back David Kolpak, Principal at Trinity College North School and Visible Wellbeing Facilitator, with Professor Lee Waters. With over 30 years of education experience, David is a passionate advocate for whole-school wellbeing rooted in positive psychology and tailored to each school’s unique context. Drawing on his new book Thriving Together and years of national and international speaking, David shares powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering growth mindsets, and embedding wellbeing in everyday school life. Together, we explore practical strategies and mindsets that help schools move beyond short-term fixes toward thriving communities. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How positive psychology shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s strong, balancing challenges with strengths and everyday moments of joy
• Using staff wellbeing audits and appreciative inquiry to identify strengths, gaps and next steps
• Why effective wellbeing approaches must be context-driven, collaborative and embedded into everyday school life
• Designing systems that integrate wellbeing into the school’s core operations rather than treat it as an add-on or one-off initiative
• Building real-life resilience in staff and students by normalising setbacks and fostering emotional authenticity and shifting from rescuing to coaching
• How to foster a coaching culture built on trust, where feedback is safe, purposeful and focused on growth for both staff and students
• Helping staff focus on what they can control by owning emotional responses and validating challenges
• How schools can sustain wellbeing efforts through intentional rituals, routines and systems that promote reflection, celebration and consistent practice.

About David

David Kolpak (MEd, BEd, BTeach) is the Principal of Trinity College North in Adelaide (EY–10), a role he has held for six years. With over 30 years of experience in education and leadership, David is a respected advocate for Positive Education and whole-school wellbeing. He has led the design and delivery of Positive Education programs spanning early years to Year 10, embedding positive psychology principles across curriculum and school culture.

David is an experienced national and international speaker, having presented at conferences such as the Positive Education Schools Association, the Positive Schools Conference, and the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress. A Visible Wellbeing Facilitator with Professor Lea Waters, David recently published his book Thriving Together, offering schools a practical blueprint for fostering flourishing learning communities through wellbeing and entrepreneurial mindsets. He is passionate about empowering students and staff to co-create positive environments that sustain wellbeing and growth.

Links and Resources:

Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Listen to S1. Ep.10 with David Kolpak: Adopting a Positive and Nurturing Approach to Improving Staff Wellbeing with David Kolpak

Read David’s new book: Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.

Connect with David via:

His website: www.davidkolpak.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolpak-4932a6119/?originalSubdomain=au 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au