What do you think?
Rate this book
Good Morning, Mr Sarra: My life working for a stronger, smarter future for our children
Chris Sarra is best-known nationally as the school principal who turned around the toxic culture and poor attendance rates at Cherbourg State School in Queensland. Slowly, Sarra's ‘Strong and Smart’ vision lifted community expectations and transformed Cherbourg into a school with below-average rates of truancy, growth in student numbers and low levels of vandalism. Under Chris' leadership the school became nationally acclaimed for its pursuit of the 'Strong and Smart' philosophy and Chris’ work there was featured on ABC’s Australian Story (2004). In November 2009 he was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year.
Good Morning, Mr Sarra is the story of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, life behind this vision. From his childhood as one of ten children in a country town, to the galvanising of his educational philosophy at university, to its support at a national level. Now with his Stronger Smarter Institute, Chris Sarra is pursuing and achieving improved outcomes in literary, numeracy and attendance for Indigenous children across the country. By providing leadership and education to a new generation of Aboriginal students,he is offering them the means to determine their own futures.
Good Morning, Mr Sarra is the story of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, life behind this vision. From his childhood as one of ten children in a country town, to the galvanising of his educational philosophy at university, to its support at a national level. Now with his Stronger Smarter Institute, Chris Sarra is pursuing and achieving improved outcomes in literary, numeracy and attendance for Indigenous children across the country. By providing leadership and education to a new generation of Aboriginal students,he is offering them the means to determine their own futures.
364 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2012
13 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Chris Sarra
4 books2 followersBorn in Queensland’s Bundaberg in 1967 as the youngest of 10 children to an Italian father and an Aboriginal mother, Chris Sarra is now the head of the Stronger Smarter Institute at QUT. He was formerly the principal of Cherbourg State School. He has had an extensive career in education, completing a Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Education and a PhD in Psychology.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 8, 2013
Good Morning Mr Sarra is the memoir of Dr Chris Sarra, the man behind the Stronger Smarter Institute (among many other things). I am a huge fan of Sarra's work, and of his strengths-based approach to education which sets the bar of high expectations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
For anyone interested in education, this is a great book. But for people who love non-fiction it's also a great story. Sarra has a wonderful, easygoing style of writing, almost like he's in the room with you. His voice comes through clearly in his writing, and he is not afraid to tell his story warts and all. He admits his mistakes and failures as much as he does his successes. But at the heart of this story is a man with a driving passion to see Aboriginal people succeed, and to plant those seeds of success early in life through education. His philosophy - that no matter how much bad stuff is going on, you look for the strengths and build on them - is one that rings true. It's all well and good to throw up hands in despair and see what is wrong. But when you can find the one or two things that are working well (and there is always something) then you have a base to build from. Sarra proves the truth of this throughout this book.
Whether you've ever heard of Chris Sarra or not, whether you have an interest in education or not, this is a great yarn of challenge and triumph told with humour and a genuine and authentic voice that moves from serious to cheeky and back, and keep you turning the page to see what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
For anyone interested in education, this is a great book. But for people who love non-fiction it's also a great story. Sarra has a wonderful, easygoing style of writing, almost like he's in the room with you. His voice comes through clearly in his writing, and he is not afraid to tell his story warts and all. He admits his mistakes and failures as much as he does his successes. But at the heart of this story is a man with a driving passion to see Aboriginal people succeed, and to plant those seeds of success early in life through education. His philosophy - that no matter how much bad stuff is going on, you look for the strengths and build on them - is one that rings true. It's all well and good to throw up hands in despair and see what is wrong. But when you can find the one or two things that are working well (and there is always something) then you have a base to build from. Sarra proves the truth of this throughout this book.
Whether you've ever heard of Chris Sarra or not, whether you have an interest in education or not, this is a great yarn of challenge and triumph told with humour and a genuine and authentic voice that moves from serious to cheeky and back, and keep you turning the page to see what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
September 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this. It gave me insight into how the Stronger Smarter Institute evolved and the battles that those who choose to make a difference might necessarily fight. Not everyone thinks the same way about how educational reform can be achieved, but if an educator can get kids to come to school, involve the wider community in the school, and help kids feel better about themselves each morning, they must be doing something right. Loved all the background about growing up with two cultures and the importance of support from those close to you who care deeply.
November 2, 2012
In Good Morning, Mr Sarra, Dr Chris Sarra is refreshingly honest in his reflections of his life and work, including the controversies that have dogged him over the years. His unwavering optimism and his unfaltering passion and enthusiasm for Indigenous education, overcoming negative perceptions of Indigenous students, and the need for high expectations in schools (oh, and rugby league) is undeniable and contagious. Where others see only problems, he sees solutions.
August 20, 2025
An extraordinary look into the day to day workings of a school in a remote area indigenous school.
Chris Sarra does not pull any punches when pointing out the shortcomings of both black and white community leaders and government agencies tasked with delivering a high quality education system for ALL Australian children.
Chris Sarra does not pull any punches when pointing out the shortcomings of both black and white community leaders and government agencies tasked with delivering a high quality education system for ALL Australian children.
February 10, 2017
I'd only vaguely heard of Chris Sarra- which is quite shameful given I live in Queensland the same state in which he has really made a name for himself - and so it was with curiousity that I began reading his autobiography/memoir Good Morning, Mr Sarra: My life working for a stronger, smarter future for our children. Chris takes his readers on a journey through his life as an indigenous boy growing up in Bundaberg as the youngest of ten children. He primarily writes of his educational and professional achievements, although he briefly touches upon elements of his personal life.
It was an inspiring read as Chris continued to exceed the expectations he and others set for himself. Not only did he complete high school and then a Diploma of Teaching but he went on to qualify and qualify again gaining a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education and PhD in Psychology. In fact, raising expectations for indigenous and poor white children in Australia became something of a theme for him, his mission in life if you will. His biggest success and the one which really set him on the path to greater things was his role as the first Aboriginal principal of the Cherbourg State School. During his time there he improved literacy & numeracy levels amongst the children, he improved the attendance levels from 50% to 95%, he improved relations between the school and the community and he devised the Strong and Smart philosophy for which he became well known.
The book created a desire in me to find out more about this man and to learn what he had been doing more recently. I was particularly keen to find footage of him as I was intrigued about how he might speak. This curiousity came about because his writing was excellent, clear, concise and eloquent but whenever he inserted quotation marks to reflect conversations he'd had, it felt as though an entirely different person was speaking. He made himself sound somehow more gruff and less educated. When I watched a recent interview I admit to being surprised by how softly spoken he was but his speaking voice (in that interview at least) was much more like the way he wrote.
Chris sets a great example for all Australians, indigenous or otherwise. He has has worked hard to achieve what he has and he has done this work with the best of intentions and a desire to help the children of this country. Even today as I write this review Chris Sarra is in the newspapers having been appointed by the Australian Prime Minister to the Indigenous Advisory Council. I look forward to seeing the contributions he makes to Indigenous policy in this new role.
It was an inspiring read as Chris continued to exceed the expectations he and others set for himself. Not only did he complete high school and then a Diploma of Teaching but he went on to qualify and qualify again gaining a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education and PhD in Psychology. In fact, raising expectations for indigenous and poor white children in Australia became something of a theme for him, his mission in life if you will. His biggest success and the one which really set him on the path to greater things was his role as the first Aboriginal principal of the Cherbourg State School. During his time there he improved literacy & numeracy levels amongst the children, he improved the attendance levels from 50% to 95%, he improved relations between the school and the community and he devised the Strong and Smart philosophy for which he became well known.
The book created a desire in me to find out more about this man and to learn what he had been doing more recently. I was particularly keen to find footage of him as I was intrigued about how he might speak. This curiousity came about because his writing was excellent, clear, concise and eloquent but whenever he inserted quotation marks to reflect conversations he'd had, it felt as though an entirely different person was speaking. He made himself sound somehow more gruff and less educated. When I watched a recent interview I admit to being surprised by how softly spoken he was but his speaking voice (in that interview at least) was much more like the way he wrote.
Chris sets a great example for all Australians, indigenous or otherwise. He has has worked hard to achieve what he has and he has done this work with the best of intentions and a desire to help the children of this country. Even today as I write this review Chris Sarra is in the newspapers having been appointed by the Australian Prime Minister to the Indigenous Advisory Council. I look forward to seeing the contributions he makes to Indigenous policy in this new role.
Read
August 5, 2013Sarra sweeps you up in this fascinating yarn of his life and achievements - the orderly wildness of his childhood in Bundaberg, the subtle low expectations for him as a bright school student, the way he turned the tide for himself - and then his amazing work in Cherbourg. What a brilliant guy - and he can write, too!
October 9, 2015
Inspiring, thought-provoking - a good challenge for all educators of all kinds of kids. Sarra has a natural & easy-to-read style, but some very important things to say about the way our expectations of students, particularly Indigenous kids, has the potential to make or break patterns that affect their future.
January 26, 2016
Whilst prima facie an autobiography and a book about improving outcomes in indigenous education, this is also a book about leadership and innovation. A applaud Dr Chris Sarra for his commitment, passion, resilience and altruism to improve the outcomes for society as a whole and particularly indigenous students.
September 12, 2013
I thought this was a great read. It is written in a very conversational style about an indigenous school teacher/academic who dares to dream that indigenous students can have the same educational outcomes as other Australians. I found it insightful and inspiring.
September 28, 2015
An inspiring personal story but a bit of a dull read.
Borrowed from Belinda.
Borrowed from Belinda.
May 18, 2017
I'm not into bios but it is very interesting.
March 25, 2025
Good Morning Mr Sara by Chris Sarra
A book selection for one of my local book clubs, thanks to the State Library Queensland, for the organising and supply of the book club books.
An interesting memoir, as Chris the author mentions, because it is written and published when he is reasonably young, forty five years old. Chris shares a wonderful childhood growing up in a county town, with devoted parents and as the youngest of ten children. Sport was and still is very important to Chris and sporting stories feature through out the book. An example of the strength of his Mother is when his brothers are talking about receiving racist taunts on the sporting field, she replies ‘They must be feeling inferior to you because that must be the only way they can put you down’. And adds ‘We are blackfullas, and that’s just how it is! Don’t let anyone ever try to put you down or make you feel ashamed of that!’ Page 9). Chris grows up as a proud indigenous citizen and follows his Mums mantra through every thing he does. Family is always at the forefront of all decisions and that is a big part of the story.
There are examples of racism through out, which made me, as a white Australian shudder that such behaviour could ever occur. Chris is open how his response to racism as a kid and then teenager was the temptation to be physical. He had to try his best to utilise his Mums words and ignore the taunts.
As the story unfolds and Chris begins work as the first Indigenous principal at Cherbourg it is obvious his sense of humour is a big part of how he communicates and educates. There are many enjoyable laugh out loud moments through out the book. Chris also gives many examples of how he developed tolerance towards prejudice and how that attitude was inspirational in others understanding their own racist approach.
I appreciated the honesty of Chris when he explains how individuals who were part of the Stolen Generation had different life experiences to some one such as himself, who had not been removed from his family. Another time Chris speaks of the Olympian Herb Elliot who comes to the school, (much to the delight of the kids). Herb refers to Chris as a Social Entrepreneur, which Chris is surprised but proud to hear (Page 246). Another example I enjoyed was the discussion of ‘so many dysfunctional aboriginal households there were in Cherbourg’ alleged by politicians and journalists. Chris and a team found out of approximately 250 homes, less than twenty could be described as dysfunctional or chaotic (Page 247). There are so many lovely stories of good things happening, too many to share in this review.
I recommend the book, it did take me a while to get into but then I really liked the content and had adapted to Chris’ writing style. Lots of ‘gems’ are shared – Page 254 and 255, Prof Roy Bhaskar’s Critical Realist theory – I loved that as dis author Chris. I also liked that Chris looks back and is humble, he recognises he could have done some things differently, such as involve the community members more in the governance of the school (P 274). He shares his sadness at how leaving the role of principal could have been done in a different and community focused way. I was left thinking and questioning scholarships for indigenous students, when Chris brings up the difficulty for the student leaving their home and community to live in such a different environment. If that student fails, the shame they live with returning. I really liked the way Chris puts things that gave me a much broader perspective and challenged my thinking of what is done and how it might be done in a more consultative way. 🌠🌠🌠🌠
A book selection for one of my local book clubs, thanks to the State Library Queensland, for the organising and supply of the book club books.
An interesting memoir, as Chris the author mentions, because it is written and published when he is reasonably young, forty five years old. Chris shares a wonderful childhood growing up in a county town, with devoted parents and as the youngest of ten children. Sport was and still is very important to Chris and sporting stories feature through out the book. An example of the strength of his Mother is when his brothers are talking about receiving racist taunts on the sporting field, she replies ‘They must be feeling inferior to you because that must be the only way they can put you down’. And adds ‘We are blackfullas, and that’s just how it is! Don’t let anyone ever try to put you down or make you feel ashamed of that!’ Page 9). Chris grows up as a proud indigenous citizen and follows his Mums mantra through every thing he does. Family is always at the forefront of all decisions and that is a big part of the story.
There are examples of racism through out, which made me, as a white Australian shudder that such behaviour could ever occur. Chris is open how his response to racism as a kid and then teenager was the temptation to be physical. He had to try his best to utilise his Mums words and ignore the taunts.
As the story unfolds and Chris begins work as the first Indigenous principal at Cherbourg it is obvious his sense of humour is a big part of how he communicates and educates. There are many enjoyable laugh out loud moments through out the book. Chris also gives many examples of how he developed tolerance towards prejudice and how that attitude was inspirational in others understanding their own racist approach.
I appreciated the honesty of Chris when he explains how individuals who were part of the Stolen Generation had different life experiences to some one such as himself, who had not been removed from his family. Another time Chris speaks of the Olympian Herb Elliot who comes to the school, (much to the delight of the kids). Herb refers to Chris as a Social Entrepreneur, which Chris is surprised but proud to hear (Page 246). Another example I enjoyed was the discussion of ‘so many dysfunctional aboriginal households there were in Cherbourg’ alleged by politicians and journalists. Chris and a team found out of approximately 250 homes, less than twenty could be described as dysfunctional or chaotic (Page 247). There are so many lovely stories of good things happening, too many to share in this review.
I recommend the book, it did take me a while to get into but then I really liked the content and had adapted to Chris’ writing style. Lots of ‘gems’ are shared – Page 254 and 255, Prof Roy Bhaskar’s Critical Realist theory – I loved that as dis author Chris. I also liked that Chris looks back and is humble, he recognises he could have done some things differently, such as involve the community members more in the governance of the school (P 274). He shares his sadness at how leaving the role of principal could have been done in a different and community focused way. I was left thinking and questioning scholarships for indigenous students, when Chris brings up the difficulty for the student leaving their home and community to live in such a different environment. If that student fails, the shame they live with returning. I really liked the way Chris puts things that gave me a much broader perspective and challenged my thinking of what is done and how it might be done in a more consultative way. 🌠🌠🌠🌠
July 28, 2022
NAIDOC reads:
An exceptional memoir written by one of the leading voices in education in Australia today. Chris Sarra is a proud Aboriginal-Italian Australian man who was given the opportunity as a young man to become the principal of Cherbourg State School, a desperately struggling school in an Aboriginal community in rural Queensland.
At the heart of the school's failings, Dr. Sarra identified an epidemic of low expectations the plagues Aboriginal education across the nation. Together with other Aboriginal teachers, teacher's aides, community leaders and a range of non-Indigenous allies Sarra turned the tide of low expectations at Cherbourg and developed the "Stronger, Smarter" philosophy.
Reading this I found myself being inspired, challenged, shocked and dismayed at regular intervals. Sarra's frank discussions of his experiences with racism and the people who "collude with low expectations" about Aboriginal caused me to reflect on my own work as a white Australian teacher of a majority migrant/refugee, non-Anglo Australian cohort. I see many parallels between the attitudes towards migrant communities-- the racism and ignorant beliefs, blaming home situations or cultural differences for educational failure rather than reflecting on one's practice, the stench of low expectations.
There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this book about racial discrimination in Australia, education, reconciliation and how to implement change that I may need to buy this book (high praise for a non-book-buyer!) Just so I can highlight, bookmark and reference this text. One piece of gold that sticks in my mind is that, as teachers, we are the party being paid to be in this relationship. As such, whatever other factors may be at play, we need to examine our own practice first before blaming anything else-- if we wouldn't accept this type of teaching for our own children why should we accept it for Indigenous students or refugee students or poor students etc?
I'll finish this review with a quote that sums up the heart of the stronger, smarter philosophy:
"High expectations relationships honour the humanity of others, and in doing so acknowledge a person's strengths, capacity and human right to emancipatory opportunity".
An exceptional memoir written by one of the leading voices in education in Australia today. Chris Sarra is a proud Aboriginal-Italian Australian man who was given the opportunity as a young man to become the principal of Cherbourg State School, a desperately struggling school in an Aboriginal community in rural Queensland.
At the heart of the school's failings, Dr. Sarra identified an epidemic of low expectations the plagues Aboriginal education across the nation. Together with other Aboriginal teachers, teacher's aides, community leaders and a range of non-Indigenous allies Sarra turned the tide of low expectations at Cherbourg and developed the "Stronger, Smarter" philosophy.
Reading this I found myself being inspired, challenged, shocked and dismayed at regular intervals. Sarra's frank discussions of his experiences with racism and the people who "collude with low expectations" about Aboriginal caused me to reflect on my own work as a white Australian teacher of a majority migrant/refugee, non-Anglo Australian cohort. I see many parallels between the attitudes towards migrant communities-- the racism and ignorant beliefs, blaming home situations or cultural differences for educational failure rather than reflecting on one's practice, the stench of low expectations.
There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this book about racial discrimination in Australia, education, reconciliation and how to implement change that I may need to buy this book (high praise for a non-book-buyer!) Just so I can highlight, bookmark and reference this text. One piece of gold that sticks in my mind is that, as teachers, we are the party being paid to be in this relationship. As such, whatever other factors may be at play, we need to examine our own practice first before blaming anything else-- if we wouldn't accept this type of teaching for our own children why should we accept it for Indigenous students or refugee students or poor students etc?
I'll finish this review with a quote that sums up the heart of the stronger, smarter philosophy:
"High expectations relationships honour the humanity of others, and in doing so acknowledge a person's strengths, capacity and human right to emancipatory opportunity".
September 8, 2025
What a fascinating life filled with wonderful achievements. As a retired teacher, I was full of admiration as he faced challenges with such a positive attitude, when so many others could only state negatives. Australia needs more people like Chris in all walks of life, including Government.
Chris Sarra is best-known nationally as the school principal who turned around the toxic culture and poor attendance rates at Cherbourg State School in Queensland. Slowly, Sarra's ‘Strong and Smart’ vision lifted community expectations and transformed Cherbourg into a school with below-average rates of truancy, growth in student numbers and low levels of vandalism. Under Chris' leadership the school became nationally acclaimed for its pursuit of the 'Strong and Smart' philosophy and Chris’ work there was featured on ABC’s Australian Story (2004). In November 2009 he was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year. Good Morning, Mr Sarra is the story of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, life behind this vision. From his childhood as one of ten children in a country town, to the galvanising of his educational philosophy at university, to its support at a national level. Now with his Stronger Smarter Institute, Chris Sarra is pursuing and achieving improved outcomes in literary, numeracy and attendance for Indigenous children across the country. By providing leadership and education to a new generation of Aboriginal students,he is offering them the means to determine their own futures.
Chris Sarra is best-known nationally as the school principal who turned around the toxic culture and poor attendance rates at Cherbourg State School in Queensland. Slowly, Sarra's ‘Strong and Smart’ vision lifted community expectations and transformed Cherbourg into a school with below-average rates of truancy, growth in student numbers and low levels of vandalism. Under Chris' leadership the school became nationally acclaimed for its pursuit of the 'Strong and Smart' philosophy and Chris’ work there was featured on ABC’s Australian Story (2004). In November 2009 he was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year. Good Morning, Mr Sarra is the story of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, life behind this vision. From his childhood as one of ten children in a country town, to the galvanising of his educational philosophy at university, to its support at a national level. Now with his Stronger Smarter Institute, Chris Sarra is pursuing and achieving improved outcomes in literary, numeracy and attendance for Indigenous children across the country. By providing leadership and education to a new generation of Aboriginal students,he is offering them the means to determine their own futures.
April 25, 2021
Very honest
October 15, 2024
This is a book that every educator should read. The educational principles embraced by Sarra are not just for indigenous students - they are good principles for the education of all students.
December 28, 2022
Chris Sarra is an inspiring educator whose autobiography helped me to consider my role as a good future teacher. It made me conscious of the power I have and the challenges I face, in my role. For all my students to succeed, I need to set high expectations for myself and my students.
Overall, an inspiring and informative book for a future teacher such as myself. However, some parts were not very well written and long winded.
Overall, an inspiring and informative book for a future teacher such as myself. However, some parts were not very well written and long winded.
September 20, 2015
This is about an insprirational teacher who turned a bad school around In Queensland, Australia. He taught the native children to get a good education and be the new leaders of the country.
April 17, 2016
Fantastic book! A real insight into schools.
February 20, 2024
Very informative and insightful life into Education, Indigenous perspectives and resilience. Thanks Mr Sarra for a life well lived and being a role model to others.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews