About Chris

Chris Barr (B.Ed) has been an experienced teacher and Head of School for the past two decades working in schools in Australia and Hong Kong.

Chris has held senior leadership and Principal class positions in State schools (Victoria, DET), Independent schools and International schools.

In his role as Head of School (Primary) at Discovery College, Hong Kong, Chris led the successful implementation of Visible Wellbeing across the K-12 campus. Discovery College was the first school in Asia to become a VWB school and during his time in Hong Kong Chris helped lead a multiple-school positive education initiatives within the local education system in Hong Kong.

Chris has expertise in the Australian National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate.

As a teacher and school leader, Chris has extended his reach beyond the schools he has worked in to become an experienced workshop presenter and facilitator of teacher professional development. He has presented at national and international conferences such as Positive Education Schools Australia Conference (Sydney), the International Baccalaureate Asia Pacific Conference (Hong Kong) and the English Schools Foundation Conference (Hong Kong) on topics such as Building a collaborative culture, The importance of friendships and Developing positive education practices within schools.

With a passion for wellbeing and ensuring school communities feel good and function well, Chris is an asset to the Visible Wellbeing team.

 
“Chris is an engaging and dynamic leader whose wholehearted belief in the importance of wellbeing within schools shines through everything he does.

Over the 5.5 years at Discovery College, Chris enabled long-lasting change as he led with passion the implementation of Visible Wellbeing. As a strategic thinker, Chris clearly understands the process of change and how to engage all stakeholders to embed large scale change. From creating a clear, compelling vision to establishing strong relational teams, his leadership inspires those around him to grow and develop as educators and leaders who confidently embed wellbeing practices through all aspects of school life, resulting in the youngest of students speaking with confidence about their wellbeing and how to impact it.

Chris is a confident and clear communicator and presenter, always open to feedback and ready to adapt material for the context. His natural and easy way with people is a strength and he’s inspirational to work alongside when embedding wellbeing throughout learning communities.”
— Tracey Chitty, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Advisor - English Schools Foundation Hong Kong