Students try out the principal’s job

DATE: 14 February 2013
A program called Student Principal for a Day will not only answer this question but also give students a chance to participate in this hands-on leadership development program in June.
The Principals Australia Institute (PAI) hopes the project will highlight the value and importance of quality school leadership.
“We are really excited about the program. It will give primary and secondary students a great opportunity to be involved in a practical and exciting leadership development opportunity,” said Jim Davies, chief executive of PAI.
“As a principal, I know just how important it is to give young people opportunities to stretch their capacity as thinkers and leaders.”
For one day, students will take part in leadership opportunities, such as contributing to a national online student conversation about leadership and relevant issues.
“One of the great things about Student Principal for a Day is that we will be doing online discussion and activities,” said Davies. “So whether a student is in rural South Australia or metropolitan NSW – they will have access to the same opportunities.
“We are developing a range of resources for primary and secondary schools. Students and principals will be able to plan together and pick their own program for the day – based on a range of suggested activities.”
The program will also provide a simple way to help students value the role of their principal and school leadership team.
“At PAI we are really passionate about raising the status of the profession. I think this event will serve as a catalyst to showcase the important role that principals play not only in our schools, but in our community,” said Davies.
PAI said the project aligns with the Australian curriculum and the Melbourne Declaration on the Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008).
“The principalship is something to aspire to; my hope is that this day will inspire some young people to consider a career in education or to even become a principal one day.”
The program’s activities will be online, schools can register at the Student Principal for a Day website: www.sp4d.edu.au.