Episode 27: Blayne Wallis - Building an Inclusive New School - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite
About this episode
Blayne Wallis discusses the journey of building an inclusive school in Melbourne and the importance of recognizing every child's needs.
In this episode of Around the School Table ( www.xuno.com.au/podcasts ), host Steve Davis is joined by founding principal Blayne Wallis . Together they explore what it takes to open a supported inclusion school in Melbourne’s west. Mindalk Primary School ( www.facebook.com/mindalkprimaryschool ) is preparing to welcome its first students in January 2026. During the conversation, Blayne explains how an almost accidental start in teaching became a deep commitment to inclusive leadership. Their journey from classroom teacher in Ballarat to leader across western Melbourne shows how quiet confidence can power lasting change. Early in the episode, listeners hear how childhood experiences shaped Blayne’s belief in seeing every child. As a quiet student who often felt invisible, they remember wishing for a teacher who noticed the wallpaper kids. Because of that, Blayne Wallis now pays close attention to students who slip under the radar. Instead of accepting silence as compliance, they ask what might be missing from the learning environment. This perspective underpins their approach to wellbeing, curriculum and building trust with families. Leadership also features strongly…
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