Step into [ed]Leadership with Emma Grave
Emma Grave – The Heart of Community
In this first episode of a three‑part series, we chat with Emma Grave as she prepares to step into her first principalship at Scots PGC in regional Queensland later this year. Emma’s career has taken her from Ballarat, to 15 years at Geelong Grammar, to Deputy roles at Seymour College and now Scotch College Adelaide, with experience as Head of House, curriculum leader and Head of Boarding along the way.
We discuss how a simple family mantra – 'be the best at whatever you are doing' – has shaped her work ethic, her belief that relationships sit at the heart of schools, and being a calm, reliable presence in complex moments. Emma shares on the boarding experience, describing it as both the hardest and most rewarding job in education, and the best preparation for the “productive chaos” of principalship.
We also go inside the principal recruitment process: being assessed from the first phone call, doing the homework on culture and finances, crafting a board presentation and learning to speak as the principal now, not one day’ Emma talks candidly about claiming her ambition early, holding firmer boundaries to protect her family and wellbeing, and embracing a ‘professional escape to the country’ – sharing her excitement about living on campus, and immersing herself in a tight‑knit rural community.
Across the episode, Emma shows us what it looks like to pursue principalship with humility, courage and a deep commitment to the life of a school community. We are so excited to follow Emma on this journey and grateful for her openness and honesty about her professional journey.