On Tuesday, Denise Lofts’ journey in educational leadership took an exciting turn when she was appointed the new President of the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council (SPC) – the peak body representing more than 500 principals of government high schools, central schools and schools for special purposes across the state.
Lofts – who takes over from outgoing SPC President, Craig Petersen, following the end of his second two-year term – served as the Council’s Deputy President and also heads up Ulladulla High School on the south-east coast of NSW.
When asked what she considers to be the most critical supports that the Council offers its members in 2024, Lofts pointed to targeted professional learning from the lived experience of school leaders that directly addresses both the operational and the educational leadership aspects.
“You can’t understand what it is like to run a school unless you have actually done it,” Lofts told The Educator in an interview following her appointment on Tuesday.
“In times of tragedy, challenge and adversity the organisation has professional officers that provide support that a principal may need personally, professionally and any aspect in support of their wellbeing during those times.”
Lofts said the Council also recognises that the nature of Principalship can be quite lonely, and provides critical supports in this area, too.
“The nature of the role can be quite lonely, in its demands and its complexity, the professional association provides the comradery, the wisdom, common purpose and the sense of belonging, not provided by any other aspect of a principal’s life.”
Lofts said balancing both the role of Deputy President and leader of a school has been challenging.
“Both roles required a relentless focus on building the capacity of the teams around me. At times this is not easy,” Lofts said.
“Leadership and education are all about people. What I have learnt ultimately, from my leadership as Deputy President, is how to advocate for what schools and students need, it is has been through that experience of advocacy and agency, I have in turn tried to bring that passion to my students, and encouraged them to always stand up for what they believe in.”
Lofts said she is proud to be working in the NSW public education system, which she called “one of the most highly regarded education systems both nationally and internationally”.
“I have worked alongside some of the most incredible school leaders, their wisdom, their knowledge, their tenacity, their educational leadership has been at the heart of the success of our schools and our system,” Lofts said.
“I believe that NSW Public Education has transformed lives through its inclusive education; its highly skilled teachers [most of whom have been trained university graduates for four or more years]; exceptional Vocational Ed programs; Pre-school to university pathways in all communities; diverse curriculum…Outdoor Education to nano tech – we have it.”
Lofts said the possibilities for all staff and students in the NSW public education system are “endless”.
“In my role, I will continue to be relentless in my advocacy, for the provision of a well-resourced outstanding public education system for the greater good of our society.”