First Principalship

Oh boy what a feeling.  I'm the Principal and I need to develop a team to make it all happen for the students.  Its a bit daunting.

For what it is worth keep a cool considered head.  If you want to make changes to your school size up the current situation and consult widely with your staff members.  Teaching is a busy hands on job that does not benefit if the teachers become embroiled in too much and too rapid change. For a new Principal to sweep in and make many changes early in that Principalship is a recipe for disaster, unless you have inherited a school that is in a very sad way as far as school effectiveness is concerned.

A surfeit of enthusiasm from you can become misplaced if too intense.  Nonetheless expect a high level of enthusiasm across the staff team.

Convince your staff that teaching is a true profession and teach them what this means.

Look at your students and recognise that they enter your gate each day being who and what they are based on all the in-school and out-of-school experiences in their daily lives.  Be patient and analytical with students who struggle to manage school.  Find out what ails them and show them the joys and relevance of taking the current learning opportunities.  Let them know that they are respected in your school even loved and as part of this you are diagnosing the problem and seeking solutions.

The wellbeing of students, staff and parents is paramount in an effective school.  Measure it regularly and make adjustments if things get out of whack.

Good luck with your first principalship.


May the Force be with you!


GD