For principals, HR teams and education systems managing complaints, staff disputes and family–school conflict. From someone who has worked in schools for more than 20 years.
When a parent disputes an enrolment decision, when a staff relationship breaks down, when a complaint is lodged against a principal — these disputes carry particular pressures that general mediation frameworks do not always account for.
The relationship between a family and a school does not end after a dispute. Staff members keep working together. Parents keep bringing their children. Whatever agreement is reached needs to work within those constraints.
Having worked in NSW schools for more than 20 years, including as a principal, I understand the obligations, the reporting lines, the pressures on school leaders, and what realistic resolution looks like in an education setting.
Schools and education systems can access independent conflict resolution support without employing a full-time specialist. Services can include ongoing conflict coaching for leaders, professional development for staff, facilitated conversations and formal mediation. Every engagement is tailored to your organisation, with agreed services, delivery arrangements, fees and review points.
Request an Organisational Proposal →Principals and school leaders regularly manage situations that are too sensitive to raise with colleagues and too complex to work through alone. Conflict coaching gives you a confidential space to think through the situation, clarify what you want from it, and plan your next step.
Or email enquiries@macquariemediation.com.au
The examples are from schools. The language is plain. The facilitator has been a principal. Workshops are available for individual schools, principal networks, and system-level training days.
A 90-minute twilight session for up to 30 staff. What to say, how to prepare, and what to do when it goes sideways. For teaching and support staff and leadership teams.
A structured half-day session for teams where dynamics have become strained. Builds shared language, addresses what is not being said, and sets a workable framework for moving forward. Up to 12 participants.
Leadership PD days, diocesan training, principal networks. Designed around your context and the specific challenges your staff are facing.
If you are a Director of Schools or HR Manager looking to build conflict capability across your system, I can work with you to design a programme that runs across multiple sites or is tailored to a specific leadership cohort.
Contracted system engagements are available. Contact me to discuss scope, delivery format and pricing.
Request a proposalSome situations need a neutral person in the room, but have not reached the point of formal mediation. A facilitated conversation provides structure and a neutral presence without the formality of a mediation process.
There is no formal Agreement to Mediate and no requirement for a written outcome. A facilitated conversation is a supported dialogue — structured enough to make progress, light enough to suit situations that are still at an early stage.
Book a free callMediation gives participants an opportunity to address concerns, improve communication and work towards practical agreements. Not every matter will resolve through mediation, and some situations may still require investigation or formal action. I will discuss suitability with you before any engagement begins.
Confidentiality and its limits are explained before mediation begins and set out in the Agreement to Mediate, which each party signs before the process begins. Any arrangements for sharing outcomes are discussed and agreed before the process starts. Disclosure may be required or permitted by law, including where safeguarding obligations apply.
If your organisation has specific reporting obligations or safeguarding requirements, these should be raised before the process begins so that the Agreement to Mediate reflects your actual obligations.
See how it worksNot ready to book a call yet? Send a message and I will get back to you within one business day.
Please do not include sensitive personal details, legal matters, or confidential information in this form. If your situation is sensitive, call or email directly.
The first call is free and takes 15 minutes. I will listen to what is happening and tell you honestly whether I can help and what that would look like.
Book a free 15-minute callOr email enquiries@macquariemediation.com.au