While waiting for the other Courageous Leaders to join our session, I found myself in a conversation with a K/PP leader about the remarkable courage of Kindy teachers. Kindy teachers are the architects of a child’s first formal education experience. It’s the first-time students wear a uniform, manage their own lunchbox, and follow instructions as part of a group. They quickly realise—they’re very small fish in a very big pond.
So, what makes Kindy teachers so special? It’s their ability to build trust and compassion in an incredibly short time. They create an environment where these "education newbies" feel excited to come back the next day.
How do they do it? What’s the common thread running through all their strategies?
VASH: Valued. Accepted. Safe. Heard.
Every interaction connects to one of these fundamental human needs:
A sense of value- “Thank you for your contribution.”
A sense of acceptance- “Come and join us.”
A feeling of safety- The freedom to be authentic within the group’s agreed boundaries.
Encouragement to speak up—Knowing their voice will be heard.
As we reflected on these early days of learning, it became clear: The VASH feeling never leaves us. At what age do we stop needing to feel valued, accepted, safe, or heard?
The answer: Never.
From cradle to grave, humans want to belong. And this doesn’t happen just because a leader is outgoing or charismatic. It’s not about one person—it’s about the group. To feel VASH, we must give VASH.
In the Courageous Leadership program, every leader is intentional—just like a Kindy teacher—about building a culture where people feel VASH. When leaders interact with others through this lens, they create the conditions for true learning and growth. Just because VASH starts in Kindy doesn’t mean it stops in adulthood.
What About Your School Culture?
Do people in your school feel valued, accepted, safe, and heard?
How do you model these interactions?
When VASH is at the heart of your culture, the willingness to be exceptional isn’t forced—it happens naturally.
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