Ethical Leadership: Girls Grammar Leads the Way in Transformative Leadership Development

Earlier this week, 16 dedicated staff members and our incoming 2026 Prefects came together for a shared experience that will shape the future of leadership at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School. Over two inspiring days, they embarked on a transformative journey with Steve Scott, founder of ETHICLEAD, an organisation renowned for cultivating ethical and values-driven leadership across Australia.

What made this experience truly historic was not only the calibre of the program, but the groundbreaking fact that Girls Grammar became the first school in the nation to deliver The 15 Disciplines of Ethical Leadership to staff and students side by side. For over 15 years, schools have sought to include students in this highly regarded training. Now, for the first time, that vision has become reality and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

ETHICLEAD’s Fifteen Disciplines framework will now form the foundation of our school-wide leadership program, rolling out over a three-year transition beginning with Years 7 and 8 in Semester 2, 2026. Our vision is deeply intentional: to embed a Prep-to-Staff Leadership Ecosystem that nurtures empowered young women, prepared to lead with integrity and positively impact society.

At Rockhampton Girls Grammar, leadership begins in Prep and grows for life. Through our unique leadership framework, every girl will learn to connect, think, and act with confidence. The impact of this pioneering approach will be felt for years to come.

Our incoming Prefects will continue to model what it means to lead with integrity, actively fostering the leadership capacity of younger students and inspiring through both words and actions. Their influence will be seen not only in what they say, but in how they behave and lead.

At the heart of the 15 Disciplines lies a simple yet profound truth: leadership begins with self. Discipline 1: Be Your Best Self reminds us that character is the foundation of leadership and that character outweighs skill. As I often reflect when interviewing candidates for roles, if one applicant has all the technical expertise but another radiates integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to contribute to our culture, character will win every time.

Throughout the two days, curiosity, courage, and connection were on full display. It was a privilege to witness the energy and engagement as staff and students collaborated in interactive workshops, leadership challenges, and reflective exercises. These two days marked just the beginning of our 15 Disciplines Ethical Leadership journey. The cohort will reunite in December for a second two-day workshop, and again in January, where they’ll deepen their understanding and begin applying the disciplines to real-world challenges within our school. This ensures that leadership development is not a one-off event, but a living, evolving process, one that grows with our students and staff.

This significant investment in personal and professional development reflects our school’s unwavering commitment to educating and nurturing influential young women who contribute passionately and confidently to our diverse and ever-changing society. I am immensely proud of the courage, curiosity, and commitment shown by our staff and students. Their willingness to grow, reflect, and lead with purpose sets a powerful example for our entire community.

As staff continue to engage in this influential training and we embed this framework across all year levels, I look forward to witnessing the ripple effect of ethical leadership within our school and beyond.

Kara Krehlik

Principal