Taking on Racism in Schools: A Framework for Cultivating an Inclusive Educational Environment
The fight against racism in schools is not a battle waged in isolation but a collective journey towards understanding, acceptance, and unity.
Confronting the Shadows: Addressing Staff Bullying in Schools
Staff bullying staff can be addressed with informed strategies In the nurturing halls of our schools, where we foster growth and community, a less-spoken of reality often lurks – staff bullying staff. This phenomenon, though uncomfortable to acknowledge, is a critical issue that undermines the very foundation of our educational values. Addressing this requires a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
You are the CEO
Running a school is strikingly similar to running a business When I first formed an image of myself as a school principal, I had visions of leading teaching and learning, managing curriculum development, and ensuring that the broad co-curricular programs were in place so that all students could have the best possible outcomes for their […]
A Roadmap to Resolution: 10 Strategies for Successfully Managing Staff Conflict
As I reflect on over twenty years as a principal in four schools, staff matters consumed a significant amount of time and effort and at times nearly caused major grief. Staff relationships, performance, managing conflict, ensuring engagement and alignment with the school’s values are some of the areas that consumed my energy. If there is […]
As Principal, You are the Head of a Village
As a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, 37-year-old principal, I was not aware of how significant community leadership would be. Managing relationships and stakeholder influence would weigh heavily on me as the principal. It would wear on my energy and resources to engage positively and productively with all the groups in each of my schools. Just like […]
