Appointing New Principals and the Importance of Continuity in Leadership
As educational leaders, principals have the opportunity to shape the very soul of the school. The educational landscape in Australia is in a constant state of flux. Whether driven by technological advancements, changing curriculums, or the evolving needs of students, schools must continually adapt. One significant change that can have a profound impact on a […]
Is the Principal Accountable for the Viability and Sustainability of Your School?
With over twenty years as a principal in four independent schools, Dr Paul Teys says, Yes! The school board holds the principal accountable for the viability and sustainability of a school. They are responsible for making decisions related to curriculum, teaching and learning, budgeting, asset and resource management, staff recruitment and management, and overall school […]
Have Schools and Teachers Lost Control in the Classroom?
Policymakers, administrators, and teachers should work together to develop comprehensive strategies and initiatives that promote positive behaviour. While there has been abundant media and social media discussion about the topic of late, it would be inaccurate to make a blanket statement that schools have lost control of student behaviour in classrooms and that there is […]
Reducing Teacher Anxiety in Schools
A principal can do a lot to reduce the amount of stress staff experience at school. Effective school leadership aids and supports reducing teacher anxiety in schools. It isn’t quite this simple, I know, but coupled with building resilience in teachers, a culture of high-quality communications with clarity and transparency, valuing teachers’ work and adding […]
You Will be Judged by Your School’s Culture
Culture is like the wind. It is invisible, yet its effect can be seen and felt. What is culture? When I mention culture, I am referring to organisational culture. Organisational culture (Schein, 2004) is the way things are done in a school: a shared sense of purpose and vision; social behaviours and the way people […]
Managing Staff Conflict
If there is conflict between staff members it will be left to the principal to come to a solution, first of all slow it down, and meet with the combatants face to face. As I reflect on over twenty years as a principal in four schools, staff matters consumed a significant amount of time and […]
Character
An essential element of the principal’s character is the will to take the lead. I had what I thought were pretty good optics around what was required to be a principal in an independent school in Australia when I first considered the role. I had conceptions about the traits and qualities I would need. As […]
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
The Principal is the storyteller in chief As a principal, you often learn lessons the hard way, and practice is the best teacher. I learned quickly that I had to work tirelessly on effective communication and community relations. When you communicate effectively, you inspire optimism and hope in others. Part of your role is to […]
The Importance of Producing High Quality Graduates
A focus on graduating students’ results has to be maintained, coexisting with nurturing students’ happiness. At the core of my work as principal was a heartfelt dedication to student outcomes. That is the reason I became a teacher in the first place. I loved teaching. I really wanted to shape young people’s lives, inspire them […]
Self-Leadership: Your Silver Bullet
Self-leadership is your focus on your own self-improvement and professional growth. When I signed my first contract with the board of Moreton Bay College at the age of 37, I had no idea how much of my time as a principal would be devoted to my own leadership. I knew that I would devote much […]
