Changing role of the principal

The principal's role has changed considerably since I began in the early 90's. Now more than ever we run a business not just a school, we need to be responsive to the fast pace of change and see ourselves as the centre of our communities. One way I go about this role is to involve myself in local community businesses and organisations.

On the first Monday of each month a group gathers called the Business Leaders Network (BLN). Last Monday I attended the AGM at the Victor Harbor Visitors Centre. I enjoy this monthly gathering for a number of reasons including;

• the opportunity to network with local business and organisation leaders who in my opinion have something to offer our students and we as a school have to offer them
• having the meetings in different locations means I learn a lot about the different businesses and organisations . It helps my thinking about what the school can value add for our students.
  • for example we recently had the very successful Year 9 Mock Interviews and many community members who supported us on this day are members of the BLN. Many panelists have commented to me or sent me extremely pleasing feedback about both our students in general and the process which was organised by Carol Mitchell.
  • another example involves the Alexandrina Cheese Company. Sharon Kay one of our Hospitality teachers who happens to teach cheese making gained a great deal from this local business and hopefully we will retain a strong partnership.
• the opportunity to showcase the best of Victor Harbor High School. We hosted an evening in August and were able to showcase Hospitality, Allied Health and Technology Studies. The hospitality students prepared  fantastic nibbles, live music was provided by year 12 student Matt Wright and the facilities were open for viewing. Once again I received very satisfying feedback about our students and the facilities.

It is important that as the principal of this school I am active in the local  (including Goolwa & Pt Elliot) and professional communities, include families as integral partners in children's learning, involve wider community in the learning, network with other schools and teachers on good practice and seek the input of professionals beyond the school.

Until next time ....