Short, practical guides for principals, coordinators and management teams on the everyday work of leading a school well.
Quick guides
Planning the school year
Set three to five priorities, agree measures of success, assign owners and review each term. Fewer priorities done well beat a long list.
Staff meetings that matter
Share the agenda in advance, spend most of the time on teaching and learning, end with clear actions and owners, and keep notices to written updates.
Classroom observation
Observe briefly and often, focus on one aspect at a time, start feedback with strengths, agree one next step and follow up.
Using data well
Look at results by grade, subject and student group; ask why; decide what support to offer; check again next term.
Parent communication
Communicate regularly, not only when there is a problem; be clear and respectful; explain changes such as new assessment approaches.
Looking after staff
Protect planning time, recognise good work, and watch workload - burnt-out teachers cannot teach well.
A principal's weekly checklist
- Visit classrooms - even briefly - every day
- Meet coordinators to review priorities
- Check safety and attendance concerns
- Recognise one staff member's good work
- Review upcoming deadlines and circulars
- Spend time with students