Meet the Principal: Where hearts are emboldened and minds inspired

Choosing A School For Your Child hears from Chrissy Gamble, Principal of Kingswood College.

What prompted you to want to enter teaching?
Teaching has always felt like a natural extension of who I am. From my earliest memories of school, I was drawn to learning, to people and to the sense of belonging that a great school creates. But the deepest influence came from my father. As a young boy, he was blinded in an accident at a time when expectations for people with disabilities were heartbreakingly low. It was education and the teachers who believed in him that changed the course of his life. Through courage, perseverance and extraordinary support, he became the first blind manipulative physiotherapist in the world. His story taught me that education does not just teach content. It opens doors, creates futures and transforms lives. There is no greater calling than that.

What do you like most about working in a school?
Schools are alive with possibility. Every day brings energy, joy, laughter, challenge and growth. I love being surrounded by young people who are discovering who they are and what they might become, and by educators who give so much of themselves to support that journey. A school is a place where relationships matter deeply, where trust, care and connection sit alongside learning. It is a privilege to work in an environment where what we do genuinely shapes lives.

What are some of the changes to education that you have witnessed in your time as principal?
Education has become more complex, more accountable and more conscious of wellbeing, all for good reason. There is a far greater understanding now of how children learn, of the importance of mental health and of the need for schools to partner closely with families. At the same time, schools operate within increasing layers of regulation and compliance. The challenge and the opportunity is to hold onto joy and human connection while meeting these demands. The heart of education must always remain the same. Relationships, belief in young people and high expectations matched with deep care.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
People. Always people. The students who surprise you with their resilience and kindness. The staff who go above and beyond every day. The families who place their trust in the school. I find immense joy in shaping a bold vision and seeing it lived out in classrooms, corridors and conversations. Watching young people grow academically, socially and emotionally is endlessly rewarding. There is nothing more meaningful than knowing the work we do matters.

What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the culture we continue to build together, one grounded in kindness, courage, respect, excellence and perseverance. I see staff who are deeply committed to their craft and to one another, students who embrace challenge and responsibility, and a community that genuinely cares. I am proud of our strong academic growth, creative excellence, leadership development and service, but just as proud of the daily achievements. The student who finds their voice. The teacher who changes a life. The collective effort that makes a school feel safe, joyful and purposeful.

What hopes do you have for the future of your school?
My hope is that our school continues to be a place where hearts are emboldened and minds inspired. I want our students to leave not only well educated, but also deeply human. Confident, compassionate, resilient and curious about the world. I hope we remain courageous in our thinking, ambitious for our young people and unwavering in our commitment to care. Above all, I hope the school continues to be a place where every individual feels seen, valued and challenged to be their very best.

What is your motto for running a successful school?
Lead with heart. Be courageous. Be kind. Believe deeply in people. A successful school is built on trust, integrity and love. Not as soft ideals, but as powerful drivers of excellence. When people feel valued and inspired, extraordinary things happen.