The Moods of Change

Commences: Monday, October 19, 2026

Change is a constant in schools. Priorities shift, expectations evolve, and new demands emerge.

In these situations, it’s not just plans and processes that determine what happens next — it’s how people are feeling about what is going on.

Moods like resentment, resignation, and anxiety are common when things don’t unfold as people would prefer. They shape how situations are interpreted and what actions seem possible. In a mood of resignation, it can feel like nothing will make a difference. In anxiety, attention narrows and people focus on what might go wrong. In resentment, energy is spent on what should not be happening.

These moods are not just personal experiences. They show up in conversations, in decisions, and in how people engage with their work. Over time, they can limit what a team is able to achieve.

What’s often missing is the ability to recognise these moods as they arise, understand the story they carry about the future, and work with them in a way that opens up more constructive possibilities.

When moods shift, what people see as possible shifts with them.

What you’ll develop

In this course, you will develop the ability to:

• Recognise when a complaint has become a repeating pattern rather than a one-off issue
• Distinguish between what is within your control and what is not, and respond accordingly
• Shift a complaint into a clear request, a concrete action, or a deliberate decision to let it go
• Notice the impact of holding onto a complaint, including the cost to your energy, relationships, and effectiveness
• Take responsibility for moving a situation forward, rather than staying stuck in the story

Course format

This short course is designed to fit within the rhythm of school life:

• Self-paced preparation (approx. 60 minutes)
• Live online workshop (90 minutes)
• Implementation period (at least one week)
• Online reflection and peer learning session (90 minutes)

Total guided learning time: 3–4 hours, plus application in your own work.

Who this is for

This course is designed for:

• School leaders and senior teachers
• Those responsible for leading others or contributing to team performance
• Educators who want to strengthen their leadership capability through practical skill development

Alignment with Professional Standards

This course supports:

• Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL)
  • Standard 6: Engage in professional learning
  • Standard 7: Engage professionally with colleagues
• Australian Professional Standard for Principals
  • Leading improvement through professional dialogue, collaboration, and staff development

Delivery details

Delivery mode: Online