Kia ora e te whānau

This week I have been reflecting on the privilege of being a school principal. It is important that we do this. Too often we allow the significant challenges we deal with in our schools to overtake the pleasure we get from our work. Challenges must be confronted, but sometimes focusing on these alone can divert us from the pride we should rightly feel in our work. 

As the term concludes, remind yourself of the many special things about being a principal. Take time to balance the ledger. Mindset plays an important role in motivation so in a quiet moment, let your mind dwell on the special things that you love about the job.

Here’s a few of mine to get you started:

My unstoppable feet and body that refuse to stay still during school singing or dancing. I love seeing the arts in action at school. Modelling having fun is a critical literacy for leaders - thinking of you, Simon Kenny, rocking it out onstage with your electric guitar in assembly!

The ‘welcome to school’ handshake at the school gate. It’s a moment of personal connection when, gripping the hand of each student, I am able to look them in the eye and acknowledge them as an important individual.

The complete satisfaction of helping a reluctant student succeed at abseiling on camp, followed by the realisation that you are getting paid to spend a few days in some heavenly part of the country doing something you love.

The first shower after a school camp – Is there a better feeling?

Talking softly to the child in a state of heightened aggression and anxiety and feeling the tension ease as you give them the space to regain their composure and trust.

The swell of pride you feel as your Kapa Haka group performs and gives it their all.

The quiet satisfaction you feel when a visitor tells you they love the ‘feel’ of your school. We should trust that ‘gut instinct’. It is a more reliable assessment than numbers and data.

The ice blocks delivered to a class of students in summer, when installation of the air conditioning system has been delayed again!  We want our young people to know they matter, and small actions sometimes send the biggest message.

The complete horror of having to leap off a bungy platform at an adventure-based school camp after being challenged by your students to ‘walk the talk’. And oh, the satisfaction of being able to hold your head up afterwards!

I could go on! The stories of joy, connection, curiosity, and community are boundless.

It is an enormous privilege to lead as a principal. Despite the obvious challenges of our jobs let’s keep ourselves focused on the good stuff. Effective principals have deep wells of affection for the ethos of principalship and the simple pleasure of working with young people.

Enjoy the holidays. You deserve it!

Ngā manaakitanga

Perry Rush
perry@nzpf.ac.nz