How postgraduate study helped Anton lead with confidence

When Anton Lombardo stepped into school leadership, he knew it was about making a meaningful impact. Inspired by the principals he worked with early in his career, Anton committed to growing his leadership so he could better serve his school community. That journey led him to postgraduate study at QUT. Discover how the Master of Education (Educational Leadership) helped Anton strengthen his leadership identity, navigate change, and build deeper connections with students, staff and the wider community.

Anton’s current role

Anton is currently a Deputy Principal for the Department of Education, Queensland, working with Year 7 and 8 students, overseeing student services, and leading community partnerships.

“It’s really about hearing what the community needs from schools… doing those things with students, for students.”

His focus is on creating opportunities that engage students and make school a place they want to be, not just somewhere they have to go.

Why postgraduate study?

Anton’s decision to study was driven by a clear purpose: to become a better leader and better serve his school community.

“Leadership is hard, particularly in schools. You really have to know why you’re doing it.”

The course gave Anton the chance to ground his leadership in theory and practice, connect with experienced educators, and reflect deeply on his own leadership philosophy.

Why QUT?

Anton chose QUT for its practical, research-informed approach to leadership in education.

“Leading in education is a very different task to what it might look like in other contexts.”

He found the course especially valuable in areas like change management, innovation, and 21st century learning. Skills that have helped him lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving education landscape.

Which units made the biggest impact?

Two key areas stood out for Anton:

• Leadership styles: Understanding different leadership styles and how to apply them in specific contexts.
• Change management: Learning how to lead change effectively, backed by theory and research.

“Understanding the theory behind change saved a lot of time as a leader… I wasn’t just making changes; I was making informed decisions with my team.”

Support during postgraduate study

Anton credits Associate Professor Chris Blundell as a standout mentor.

“He was phenomenal… knowledgeable in change, innovation and technology. Without him, my outcome in this course would have been very different.”

He also appreciated the broader QUT community, which supported him through the challenges of balancing full-time work and study.

Managing study and work

Anton studied while working full-time in a head-of-department role. It meant early mornings, weekend sacrifices, and a lot of dedication.

“Knowing my why… was the fuel on that fire. You can’t achieve great things without a team around you, and the QUT team was pivotal.”

What kept Anton motivated was his positive mindset and telling himself that embarking on this study would put him in a better position to be able to serve his school community.

“Sometimes even if I’d had a big day, I know it was important to give time and effort to my studies so I could take myself to the next level.”

How the course shaped Anton’s practice

Anton now leads with clarity and purpose. He’s used insights from the course to drive positive change in his school, particularly in areas like positive behaviour learning and student engagement.

“I was able to bring people with me on a journey… creating a culture of belonging.”

He’s also built strong partnerships with community organisations and experts to support students and families, especially those facing challenges like food insecurity or housing instability.

Ready to lead with purpose?

The Master of Education (Educational Leadership) at QUT is designed for educators who want to deepen their leadership skills and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities. You’ll explore leadership theory, connect with experienced professionals, and gain practical strategies to lead with confidence.

Explore the course and take the next step in your education leadership journey with postgraduate studies.

Explore the Master of Education (Educational Leadership)