A Conversation with Luke Padgett

Meet Luke Padgett, our Head of Junior Campus, who has been a valued part of the Launceston Grammar community since the beginning of the year.

With a passion for student wellbeing and a strong belief in the power of community, Luke brings both warmth and fresh perspective to our Junior Campus. In this conversational Q&A, Luke shares his early impressions, what drives him as an educator, and his hopes for the years ahead - offering families a genuine insight into the person guiding the next chapter of our Junior Campus.

Q. You’ve been with us for two terms now – how have you found your start at the School? 

A. Extremely rewarding! From the beginning, I’ve felt a strong sense that this is a place where we can genuinely make a difference to students’ lives. The community here is unlike anything I’ve experienced at other schools - there’s a real sense of connection and belonging. It’s hard to describe, but there’s a certain feeling here - a special type of culture that you can’t quite put your finger on. Having grown up in and around Launceston, I feel like I know how the culture works locally, however what we have specifically at Grammar is something special, and I’m really focused on making the most of that for the greater good - leveraging it to support our students, families, and staff as we grow and move forward together. 

Q. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to take on your first Head of Campus role here at Grammar? 

A. I’ve spent the past 20 years working in the Department of Education, and over that time I’ve had the opportunity to serve as Acting Principal at two different schools. After some really thoughtful conversations with Dale and members of the wider community, I felt this role was the right next step for me. Moving into the independent system is a big change. It’s a bit like building the plane while it’s flying - but I felt it was time, and this opportunity at Grammar just came at the right moment. 

Q. What have you come to value most about our Junior Campus and your role as a leader within it? 

A. The standout for me is the curiosity of our students - they arrive with open, inquisitive minds, and our role is to nurture that, so they grow into capable, grounded learners. Building genuine relationships with students is key to this. I make a conscious effort to connect and listen, because feeling heard is just as important for them as it is for adults.

These first few months have also shown me the power of authenticity in leadership. Showing up as myself has helped build trust with both staff and families, and that trust is the foundation for a connected, supportive school community.

Q. In what ways does teamwork play a crucial role in achieving your goals in this role? 

A. Teamwork is everything - as the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” You can’t do this kind of work without a strong team around you. For me, teamwork isn’t just about the staff, it’s also about the wider school community involvement. We’re strongest when every part of the team is working well together, so it’s important to be intentional as we continue to grow. 

Q. Wellbeing is a big focus for you. In your view, what does a healthy, supportive school environment look like? 

A. In a word - balance. When students and staff have balance in their lives, wellbeing naturally follows. At Grammar, we offer our students so many incredible opportunities, but we also need to help them manage those opportunities, so they stay connected - to themselves, to others, and to their learning. 

Q. How have you found stepping into a school that follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), and what kind of learning culture do you hope to shape here over the coming years? 

A. It’s been exciting stepping into a school with the IB PYP. When done well, it’s transformative - blending inquiry with explicit teaching in a way that fosters real, lasting learning. I believe it can make our school the clear choice for families. I want to nurture the innate curiosity already present in our students - learning that goes beyond the classroom. Culturally, it’s about trust, mutual respect, and building a connected, empowered community. That’s the foundation for lasting success. 

Q. And outside of school, what keeps you grounded or brings you joy? 

A. My family. My wife and my beautiful kids. My favourite part of the day is coming home after a big day, they just make me so happy.