Meet Andrew Cavanagh, Cleveland Campus Principal

Empathy in Education – Inside The BUSY School’s Visionary Approach

Amongst the growing campuses of The BUSY School lies a visionary leader who has created a sanctuary where students are not just educated, but understood, embraced, and empowered. At the helm of this transformative institution stands Andrew Cavanagh, Principal of the Cleveland Campus.  

His personal journey as a young person growing up in a home affected by addiction to becoming an educational visionary is not just a testament to his resilience, but an example of how one person can make a profound difference in the lives of many. 

Andrew’s compassion and unwavering dedication to his students, staff, and the broader community radiates through every word he speaks. “I resonate with young people that don’t have the greatest of upbringing.” 

“I feel my mission in life is to empower people who feel they don’t have a voice, and I believe the team is really onboard with this vision for every student to succeed at The BUSY School, I have been lucky to be surrounded with passionate educators that have worked tirelessly to support this work.” 

It was his background as a musician that initially ignited Andrew’s passion for education. After being inspired by Montessori education and alternative education models, he developed an interest in creating a school that truly met the needs of students, starting with the learning environments where spaces could honour and prioritise co-regulation and enhance flow for all students, regardless of their story or background. This moment marked the beginning of his journey into education, driven by a desire to authentically empower young people to take charge of their lives. 

Central to the team’s philosophy is the importance of connection and relationships in creating a welcoming and safe environment.  

Andrew emphasised, “Connection with students and forming positive relationships is key. They are the ones who teach us at times, and there’s beautiful moments of growth for us as trusted adults.   

“They aren’t bad kids. They aren’t naughty kids. A common theme that I’ve found is they just haven’t had a voice and they feel that’s been taken away from them. There hasn’t been an opportunity to feel at ease with themselves.”  

Andrew challenges the traditional notion of education, advocating for a shift towards trauma-informed learning and emphasises the importance of teaching young people the importance of emotional intelligence to unpack why they have not enjoyed school.   

“For our staff, it’s about empathy, understanding, and a focus on connection, when this is not present, little to no learning occurs. Compliance, yes, learning, not so much. We are very lucky that The BUSY School makes time and prioritises this.” 

Andrew’s commitment to addressing student disengagement extends beyond the classroom, calling on businesses and communities to embrace empathy and understanding.  

“Giving someone a chance is crucial. We can all relate to that person when we were young, that gave us a chance. Every opportunity we provide is a chance for someone’s life to change for the better. If we want youth crime rates to decrease, we need to start understanding what is going on for our families in our local communities” 

For educators, Andrew stresses the importance of self-care and reflection, urging them to consider their own needs before stepping into the classroom.  

“Educator self-care is essential,” he advises. “Preparing ourselves to be a calming and stable presence must be the priority. This is why The BUSY School has committed to our 1:16 student teacher ratio, teacher aid support and onsite counsellors and youth workers, every day of the week.”  

The impact of Andrew and the team’s work is tangible, with stories of transformation echoing through the halls. One such story is that of a student on the autism spectrum who, after struggling with the beginnings of violent behaviour and self-harm, found solace and success at The BUSY School. Within a year and a half, she transformed into a verbal, confident, high-achieving student, a testament to the power of understanding and support. 

As the team looks to the future, the vision is clear: education for connection and peace. With empathy, understanding, and self-care at the forefront, he is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. 

To those feeling disengaged or lost, Andrew offers words of reassurance. 

“You matter. You can turn things around. There are opportunities waiting for you.” 

Find out more about The BUSY School Cleveland or any of our eight campuses across Queensland.  

Lillie Haigh, a Year 12 student at The BUSY School Cleveland Campus, has defied the odds and transformed her schooling experience from one of despair to triumph. Lillie shared her inspiring story of overcoming a history of being bullied throughout her schooling which resulted in disengagement from her education. Since attending The BUSY School, Lillie has achieved an impressive 97% attendance rate – and her happiness and academic results have risen dramatically.

Lillie’s educational journey had been fraught with challenges, attending five different primary schools and facing bullying at each one. The torment continued into high school, where she found herself at her most vulnerable, retreating into isolation and sadness. “Before I came to The BUSY School, I was severely bullied at five primary schools and one high school,” Lillie recounted. “I didn’t want to come to school. I faked being sick or wagged school.”

The turning point came when Lillie enrolled at The BUSY School. Unlike her previous experiences, she found herself in a welcoming and supportive environment. “I didn’t get left in a corner like my other schools,” Lillie noted. “Here, I felt at home.”

At The BUSY School, Lillie found solace and support. The school’s focus on restorative conversations, facilitated by Principal Andrew Cavanagh, allowed her to address challenging relationships and move forward positively. “I feel safe at The BUSY School. I am supported and have the tools to fix issues,” Lillie emphasised.

The supportive atmosphere extended to the classroom, where Lillie thrived with the help of dedicated teachers and small class sizes. “When you don’t understand a question, the teachers help you understand it and give you different strategies to learn,” she explained.

Her newfound happiness and sense of belonging at The BUSY School is reflected in her attendance rate, soaring from a stressful 29% to an impressive 97%. “I was always worried I’d get kicked out, but here I am always here, no matter what,” Lillie proudly stated.

Looking to the future, Lillie is determined to complete a four-year Automotive apprenticeship and pursue a career in the industry. She dreams of starting her own business, celebrating local businesses that provide opportunities for students like her and championing women in traditionally male-dominated trades.

“When I leave school, I know I will have a good hard earning job and will be able to save a lot more and be financially happy. We also learn how to save and budget in our classes and everyone in general helps me understand more about money.”

Lillie’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and support. Her advice to others facing adversity is simple yet profound, “Just fight through, you’ll get through it! Before, I was always down. I would lie to my mum when she asked if I was ok, and just say I was fine.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to change schools again, but ever since coming here I feel at home. My first day was overwhelming at first but when I got the hang of it, I instantly fell in love with the school. Here I am always happy.”

With the unwavering support of The BUSY School behind her, Lillie has emerged as a role model for resilience and hope for students everywhere.

In an educational landscape where disengagement is now a critical issue, Lillie’s journey demonstrates the importance of alternative learning, support and personalised attention. As BUSY School educators strive to create environments conducive to learning and growth, Lillie’s top tip is clear, “Ask for help. You always get it. When you don’t understand a question, the teachers help you understand it and give you different strategies to learn.

In celebrating Lillie’s success, The BUSY School reinforces its commitment to nurturing every student’s potential and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Lillie (R) is looking forward to pursuing a career in the automotive industry and has re-engaged with her education, thanks to The BUSY School.

As Queensland reaffirms its commitment to combat domestic and family violence, The BUSY School proudly stands alongside, dedicated to equipping young people with the tools to recognise and address toxic relationships.

Across all eight campuses statewide, The BUSY School team continues to make significant strides in educating youth about the importance of identifying and preventing domestic violence.

The BUSY School, providing alternative learning, addresses various learning barriers including mental health, bullying, complex learning needs and domestic violence.

At the Southport Girls+ Campus, Campus Principal Ulla Hansson collaborates with Prue Howard, Founder of Savvy Style and Training, to deliver the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program.

Drawing from her personal experience with domestic violence, Prue’s program helps students define their personal brand, understand what toxic and unhealthy relationships look like, identify warning signs of toxicity in a romantic relationship, and cultivate healthy relationships.

“The T.H.R.I.V.E. Program is a prevention program that includes arming students with the tools to identify unhealthy relationships, romantic or otherwise.  I educate young people about how to put boundaries in place, knowing that when those boundaries aren’t respected, this is a red flag.” explains Prue. The six-week workshop series focuses on developing strong, healthy relationships and building confidence through positive self-talk and personal brand definition.

Ulla Hansson, Campus Principal, emphasises the holistic wellbeing approach of The BUSY School, stating, “We are committed to nurturing our students’ wellbeing and instilling in them the confidence they need to navigate a safe and successful future. Working with Prue and sharing her expertise through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program is an invaluable opportunity to grow self-assurance among our students.”

Prue reflects on the program’s success, stating, “In the last two groups, one participant from each group identified and left toxic romantic relationships.” Such outcomes highlight the impact of interventions like the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program in empowering young women to make positive life changes.

The BUSY School Girls+ Campus provides an ideal environment for delivering such programs, with dedicated staff and fully equipped facilities. By partnering with external experts like Prue Howard, alongside academic resources, the school ensures comprehensive support for its students.

The success and sustainability of programs like T.H.R.I.V.E. rely on the support of grants, partners, supporters, and donors. These contributions enable students to become more aware, confident, and equipped to identify and address potential domestic violence.

Together, with the generosity and commitment of individuals, businesses, and organisations, The BUSY School strives to create safe spaces and empower students to build resilient futures free from domestic violence.

As Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month unfolds in Queensland, it serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed to address this critical issue. By standing together, supporting initiatives like the T.H.R.I.V.E Program, and advocating for change, we can create a brighter, safer future for our communities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are support services available. Find a Queensland support service near you.

If this has brought up mental health concerns, you can contact services like Lifeline or Beyond Blue.