St Mary’s School, Charleville was one of the first schools to adopt a program which coaches educators to lead meaningful conversations with students and colleagues.
Ms Peta Jeppesen, the founder of Beyond the Classroom Australia, developed the Dare to be a Rockstar program from her own personal struggles with leadership and wellbeing.
As a principal, Peta found it difficult to effectively communicate with her staff and meet their needs, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to balance work and personal health. Despite moments of confidence, she experienced heightened anxiety and stress, especially when navigating tense situations with her staff. This emotional burden became even more apparent as she witnessed the burnout of both her teachers and students, many of whom faced similar challenges.
It was this gap in support within the educational system that motivated Peta to create a program that would address the root causes of stress and burnout while fostering deeper connections between students and staff. Partnering with Monash University, she developed a program grounded in the CASEL5 framework, which focuses on building emotional intelligence and social skills. Peta’s four core pillars—Rest, Play, Create, and Innovate—serve as the foundation of Dare to be a Rockstar, which emphasises self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and non-violent communication. The program encourages educators to set aside their egos, creating a space for real, meaningful conversations with students and colleagues.
St Mary’s School, Charleville was one of the first schools to adopt the Dare to be a Rockstar program, providing valuable feedback on its impact. According to Peta, the school became a “testing ground” for the program, where educators and staff discovered the power of open dialogue and mutual respect. Many teachers reported that the program gave them a voice they didn’t even know they needed. Some even described it as a “game changer” for the way they interacted with their colleagues and students.
Annual surveys have provided crucial insights into the effectiveness of the program. The data collected from staff revealed a strong desire for more emotional support from leadership and colleagues, particularly during times of high stress and conflict. Teachers expressed the need for emotionally intelligent coworkers and leaders, as well as coaching in areas like time management and emotional regulation. In contrast, student surveys indicated a need for assistance in managing social conflicts, collaborating with peers, and fostering an environment where students feel safe to fail and admit mistakes.
Every six months, Peta reviews these survey results with school leaders to develop a customised plan for each school, ensuring that the Dare to be a Rockstar program continues to evolve based on the unique needs of each community. By integrating the CASEL5 principles with her four pillars, Peta is helping schools create a culture of curiosity, growth, and resilience—especially during life’s challenging moments.
Dare to be a Rockstar is designed not only for short-term improvements but for long-term success. It offers practical, achievable goals and real-time feedback that empower both students and staff to find and use their voices in ways that are heard, valued, and respected. Peta’s ultimate vision is for the program to spread across Australia and, eventually, to schools around the world.
Keep an eye out for updates on this transformative program in the coming year.
