On 11 October, business and community leaders will shadow school principals in their day-to-day activities, and discuss the challenges and current issues each is facing in the leadership role.
Led by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) with funding from the Victorian Education Department, Principal For A Day takes place in participating state schools across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The initiative aims to increase understanding and awareness between schools, business and the wider community, promote the great work of schools and enable participants to develop ongoing relationships, partnerships and programs.
ACER chief executive, Professor Geoff Masters, said highly effective principals see themselves as part of a broad education community, and understand that successfully implementing the school’s mission is a team effort.
“Strong relationships between all members of a school community and external stakeholders are important,” Professor Masters told The Educator.
“Principals can build mutually beneficial relationships with families, other schools, external organisations and the local community to share resources, experiences and expertise, enhance opportunities for students, and better meet individual learning needs.”
‘Principals have a lot to learn from each other’
Professor Masters said leading change is a challenging part of the role for both principals and business and community leaders.
“When change is desirable, principals need to be willing to lead that change, taking on the role of chief advocate and leading the school through the process,” he said.
“Principals and leaders in business and other sectors have a lot to learn from each other about leading change by sharing their experiences.”
Professor Masters said ACER is impressed by the range of people involved in Principal For A Day this year.
“Young entrepreneurs and leaders of non-profit organisations, to longstanding participants are taking part for the 17th year. They reflect a range of aspects of Australian life,” he said.