On Thursday, several Victoria’s business and community leaders learned what it was like to work in one of the toughest, but most rewarding, jobs on earth – that of a school principal.
Principal For A Day, now in its 18th year, is organised by ACER and funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training through the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership.
Each participant shadowed a Victorian government school principal to experience the realities of this crucial but challenging role. In return, they shared insights from their lives in business and community leadership and, in many cases, forged the beginnings of an ongoing relationship.
This year’s volunteers included members of government, business executives, community leaders, entrepreneurs and CEOs from a range of commercial and not-for-profit organisations – and one keen leader taking part for the seventeenth year.
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) chief executive, Professor Geoff Masters, said the program demonstrated the value of community engagement in learning.
“Participants tell us they benefit from a better understanding of the important role school leaders play in society, while principals appreciate the chance to compare management and leadership perspectives with people who have achieved so much in other arenas,” Professor Masters said.
“Taking advantage of the professional development opportunities afforded by strong networks beyond school is a crucial characteristic of highly effective schools.”
Participants in this year’s Principal For A Day program included:
• Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino MP
• Gill Callister, Secretary, Victorian Department of Education and Training
• Jason Ball, LGBTIQ and mental health campaigner, founder of Pride Cup and 2017 Young Australian of the Year (Victoria)
• Tonia Todman, TV personality and Australia Day (Victoria) ambassador
• Lachlann Carter, CEO, 100 Story Building
• Felicity Furey, co-founder of Power of Engineering and Machinam, and Engineer in Residence, Swinburne University
• Matthew Albert, founder of SAIL (Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program) and 2005 Young Australian of the Year (Victoria)
• Ross Symons, CEO, Big Ant Studios.