News

On May 1st, across multiple time zones, our global site development community gathered for a final call. What unfolded was not a presentation, but a celebration.

In advance, sites had shared short films and presentations capturing their journeys, creating a rich collective picture of classrooms, teams, and student experiences. During the call, smaller breakout spaces allowed participants to share, listen, and reflect. As we returned together, there was a strong sense of resonance, gratitude, and recognition that something meaningful had taken root.

Over the year, the program became more than a series of workshops. It grew into a living community of practice, where educators explored what it means to bring compassionate systems into daily life.

Beginning with launch workshops in August, sites identified meaningful starting points using the Mandala for Systems Change. From there, the work unfolded through inquiry cycles: planning, acting, and reflecting, supported by shared dialogue, a collaborative Miro space, and monthly community calls. Sessions with Peter Senge and Mette Boell deepened this collective learning, while local site work brought it to life in context.

As the year progressed, the tools became embedded in practice. The Iceberg supported deeper thinking about root causes and aspirations:

“We’ve been working with the aspirational Iceberg… not just as a planning tool, but to shift how we think—starting to see the root causes, the mental models, and what’s really shaping reality.”

The Mandala for Systems Awareness brought attention to presence, often beginning with educators themselves:

“We practiced it first as teachers… and then brought it into the classroom. You can see the change in presence, people are more ready to listen, more aware of how they process what they feel and experience.”

Across sites, a shared language of awareness and relationships took hold. Changes were often subtle but profound, including a stronger sense of belonging, more open relationships, and greater attention to how people show up with one another.

Simple practices made a difference. Check-ins created space for people to be seen and heard, and wellbeing became part of daily life. As one school leader shared:

“Students used to feel nervous coming to see me as the principal. Now I start with a check-in, how are you, how is your day, and it’s changed everything. They relate differently. They feel seen.”

Students also began to reflect more deeply on their thinking and behaviour:

“Rather than jumping to conclusions, they’re starting to realise we’re all human, we all make mistakes. It’s shifting how they treat each other.”

For many, the most significant change was internal:

“I joined this journey because I wanted to be a better leader,” one participant shared. “But I realised I’m connecting with my younger ideal self – ever since I was a kid I wanted to make the world a better place…in different iterations I tried to do that but now I realize – oh my gosh this is what’s drawing me to this and I think this will make the world a little better place “

Others spoke about letting go of the need to fix everything immediately:

“I’ve become more comfortable not fixing problems right away, and focusing more on developing people as a system.”

As the year drew to a close, a shared insight emerged: change begins with how we show up each day. What started as a series of calls became a genuine community, learning to listen more deeply, see more clearly, and act with intention.

“I’m holding the preciousness of relational awareness after this year’s work.”

We are deeply grateful to every site for the openness and care they brought. Many will continue into the coming year, joined by new sites beginning their journey.

If your school or organisation is interested in joining this growing community, we warmly invite you to express your interest through filling out this form.

“I feel so grateful to be part of this community, learning from schools around the world and seeing that the heart of an educator, and the love of young people, is truly universal.”