I've just read Derek Wenmoth's latest post on system leadership in which he challenges school leaders to think about leading, not just within their own school, but also within and across our whole school system. He carefully explains the rationale for doing so and finishes with some actions leaders could begin taking as they move into the system leadership space.
Many of you will know that I have had the privilege of collaborating with Derek, mainly through the delivery of our successful 3Rs Programme, over the last 12 months. I have learned a great deal from Derek and the cohort of principals who took part this year, but the focus on systems thinking and systems leadership has been the most thought-provoking.
Over 20 years of principalship did I just focus on organisational leadership of my schools?
I can't deny that that was my main priority. But Derek has got me reflecting on where in my career did I dig into some system thinking and even system leadership and what was the benefit of that.
At my first school I was Chairperson of the regional Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP), served on the National Executive and had a stint as Chairperson of the National Executive. Participation and leadership in that space allowed me to have a better perspective of the diversity within our sector, to be aware of the common aspects of many of our struggles and to be amazed by the many examples of innovative approaches to overcoming those obstacles.
While at the same school I was part of a network of principals in the Coalition of Schools facilitated by David Hood in which we were collectively challenged to imagine different approaches to schooling and leadership with readings, visits to schools (both here and in Australia) and many challenging conversations as we proposed and critiqued ideas to move forward.
I also was part of a Critical Friends network of 3-5 principals where we were able to test our thinking about what we felt were the best courses of action to take in our schools as we navigated our way through the start of the 21st Century.
During my time at my last school I was one of the Auckland representatives on PPTA's Secondary Principals Council (SPC). This involvement gave me a deeper understanding of the diversity within our sector, access to knowledge and information at the national policy level and an increasing realisation of the depth of commitment by school leaders to rise above the range of obstacles they experience to do their best for their schools and their community.
I was fortunate to be one of the founding group of like-minded principals who established DisruptedNZ which has promoted the ideas of innovation and transformation through a range of platforms including Facebook, X (Twitter), podcasts, DisruptedTV, symposia and online learning modules.
I also did my best to be active in the Kāhui Āko space and to support approaches and strategies which were driven by the common good for the schools in the network.
And, of course, I haven't shied away from sharing my views, usually through this blog, on what a future-focused school and schooling system should be focusing on in an attempt to share possibilities and practical steps with any of my colleagues who were prepared to listen.
Currently, I am enjoying an involvement in the Aotearoa Education Collective (AEC) which has drawn together school leaders, researchers and academics to cast a critical eye over the new directions we are being told to take since the new government came to power.
All of these have convinced me of the power of collaboration and connection, of the absolute importance of diversity and of the belief that together is always better. I am sure I was a better leader because of those experiences and that my schools were better for that.
This current phase of reflection prompted by Derek's post has reminded me that if we are to immerse ourselves in system thinking and system leadership it is vital that we act and interact in that environment based on a clear set of values and beliefs - values and beliefs about what makes for deep learning, values and beliefs about how we should lead and interact with others, values and beliefs we have about how the whole system should operate and be led.
My last post touched on this when I had been thinking about the number of constraints we have had to cope with in our desire for transformation and which is captured in this diagram:
Refresh, Reconnect, Refocus: Transformative Leadership Programmes for NZ School Principals and APDPs
Derek and I are thrilled to invite you to participate in "Refresh Reconnect Refocus," an innovative leadership programme designed exclusively for Aotearoa New Zealand school leaders - 1 for principals and 1 for APDPs. Following an incredibly successful pilot throughout 2024, we are excited to be offering this opportunity in 2025 to forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of education in our country.
Programme Highlights:
Restorative 2 day(APDPs) or 3 day(Principals) Retreat: Begin your journey by connecting with like-minded leaders who share your enthusiasm for educational innovation.
Expert Facilitation: Benefit from the wisdom and guidance of two of Aotearoa New Zealand's most respected educational leaders:
Derek Wenmoth (FutureMakers), one of NZ's foremost Future-Focused thinkers in education
Maurie Abraham (HMWLead) - a passionate advocate for transformation in schools, recently retired as principal at Hobsonville Point Secondary School
Personalised Future-Focused Approach: Collaboratively design a vision for the future of education, tailored to your unique context and challenges.
Practical Tools and Frameworks: Gain access to resources that will empower you to implement meaningful change in your school and/or area of responsibility.
Ongoing Support: Enjoy a 20-week programme of personal mentoring and online support and connection, ensuring you maintain momentum and overcome obstacles.
Celebration of Success: Reconvene for a final day of sharing, reflection, and celebration of your achievements.
Why Participate?
Be at the forefront of educational transformation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Develop a supportive network of innovative school leaders
Acquire practical skills and knowledge to lead your school into the future
Rejuvenate your passion for education and leadership
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a vital movement that is reshaping Aotearoa New Zealand's educational landscape. Places are limited, so we encourage you to register your interest today through this link.
Testimonials
‘My other key reason for joining the programme was the ongoing 20 week support / journey. I didn't want a one-off whizz bang experience. I wanted something that would build and develop with me as I moved forward. So the ongoing coaching and the buddy support is important to me’.
‘I'm a new principal and often feel like I'm floundering. Everything that we touched on gave a huge sense of confidence in what I am doing, what I can do better and what is possible. But making connections with like-minded educators really built that sense of collective efficacy - that we are all in this together’.
‘Engaged, passionate, well informed facilitators who seamlessly worked together to deliver an outstanding programme of thought provoking leadership learning’.
‘Derek and Maurie deliver a balance of knowledge and questioning that gives you time to think about your leadership and where to next. Both facilitators have the experience, understanding, connection and passion for education, this has inspired me to really look at the why for me!’
Invest in your leadership, invest in your school's future. Join us for "Refresh Reconnect Refocus" and lead the change you wish to see in education.
We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary programme.
