It’s been 18 months since I retired as a secondary school principal. I like to believe that I’m still aware how demanding and increasingly more complex the role is. Working closely with at least 25 primary and secondary principals this year, in my new area of work, has kept me closely in touch with the realities of the work.
There are a number of drivers behind the increasing demands and complexities.
Political
Rapidly moving changes to curriculum (which some argue are driven by a narrow ideological position rather than ‘evidence’)
Unsettled national qualifications environment
Restructured and down-sized government services
Imposition of a Charter School model at odds with the direction taken by the Minister of Education
Financial
Cost of living crisis/recession impacts on the community, especially, but not limited to, the most vulnerable
Urgently needed property refurbishments and builds on hold
Paucity of funding to support specialist learning needs
Social
Increasing distrust of institutions (allegedly as a result of Covid times)
Increasing anxiety amongst our learners
Division promoted by the Treaty Principles Bill
AI and the rapidly changing future of work
Professional
Teacher supply issues
Narrowing of funded professional learning opportunities
Increasing levels of frustration amongst the workforce in relation to resourcing for special needs and diversity
All of these will be preying on the minds of school leaders as they take a few weeks of vital rest and refreshment.
My advice would be to try to keep your focus on the ‘why?’ that drives you in the work that you do - I’m sure it will be some version of the following:
Wanting to make a positive difference to the lives of others
Placing the needs of learners at the centre of what you do
Honouring Te Tiriti
Empowering others to take risks
Preparing learners to be able to thrive in a world with some huge challenges
Striving for high-trust relationship
Building community confidence and connection
Keep reminding yourself of your ‘why’ and keep exploring what it means for you in your work. You will have settled on an honourable purpose, one worth pursuing despite all of the drivers mentioned above. It is by being true to your values and beliefs about learning that you will find a way to navigate the demands and complexities.
You deserve a healthy dose of downtime this festive season. Keep the focus on the positive (your ‘why’) and try to avoid dwelling on the negative.
