Brenton Gurney is one of our Strategy Leads. Brenton’s role is about achieving CSBB goals and vision for the future by supporting colleagues and leading projects and initiatives. His other role is supporting Teacher development and accreditation – from Pre-service teachers to Early Career Teacher to Higher levels of accreditation and school leaders.
Who do you look to for inspiration or mentorship?
I don’t have to look far – I am part of an outstanding team in the Strategic Planning Unit – they are daily sources of inspiration and mentorship.
How has your career journey happened so far?
Finished my university degree at ACU in 1996. I started working at St Leo’s Wahroonga, fresh out of university and soon took on a full-time role at Holy Spirit College Lakemba (Sydney Diocese) as a PDHPE and RE Teacher. I spent time as acting Year Coordinator, Head of Faculty and Sports Coordinator roles before moving to St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas, as Leader of Learning PDHPE in 2003. This was a big year in a new role and also getting married. I loved the opportunity to lead my department and create a great team and support students to achieve their very best. I held this role for 14 years and added to my responsibilities by being the Leader of Professional Growth and Accreditation at the College. In 2015 I achieved accreditation as a Highly Accomplished Teacher and in 2016 started at CSBB in Teacher Accreditation. This role expanded to include teacher development, professional learning and becoming Team Leader over the years and in 2021 I was appointed as a Strategy Lead.
How is your work making a difference?
My role supports teachers to navigate their accreditation and hopefully simplify this area so they can focus on their main job of being the best possible teacher for their students. My role also helps drive change and build a culture of collaborative continuous improvement at CSBB. I support the delivery of a range of initiatives focused on achieving our future state Towards 2025.
What are your current goals?
Work collaboratively to achieve our goals and vision Towards 2025, be part of the team and lead as required. My personal goal would be to improve my skills in Microsoft TEAMS as we transition to this platform.
What motivates you?
I see a direct connection between the support I provide and the larger projects I am supporting to deliver – that will make a significant difference for our students and their families.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
As a former PDHPE Teacher – I look to sports and sporting moments to get inspiration. Recently watching Olly Hoare win the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games – first Gold since Herb Elliot in 1958 – Amazing!
How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Challenging myself in new situations and environments, learning from those around me and taking opportunities.
What is one thing that makes you proud?
Personally, my children make me proud.
How do you align with the visions and mission of CSBB?
I strive to always do my best and show care and compassion to those I work with. I believe that students are at the centre of all that we do and all that we should be striving to achieve.