Here are some ideas that have wafted across my wandering mind over the last week.

I went to Coolum in Queensland to meet my new Grandchild and catch up with his two young sisters and Mum and Dad. I had a wonderful time and lots of fun. There was much travel and therefore time to think. I find a plane at 35000 feet seems to help promote thought.

I was reading “Rambling Man” a biographical tale by entertainer Billy Connolly. It is really interesting, entertaining and covers many of the fascinating journeys he has taken through life. One sentence which did jump out at me was: “Using the right words in the right way on the right occasion can make all the difference.” This reminded me of the major challenge Principals face as they journey through each day, dealing wisely with tricky situations.

I was sitting outside nursing my little grandson when I took particular notice of a Butcher Bird. This name is unfortunate for such a bold little bird with an invigorating personality. The bird had made himself at home near the house and would boldly venture inside to see what tucker he could pinch. However, it wasn’t this that particularly caught my eye but the concert he gave as he sat atop of the trellis on the back patio. His singing was magnificent with, it seemed, every note being special and delivered with real energy. But he had not only one song but an entire concert which was so impressive. I have seen Lyrebirds in action, but the presentation by this little bird was new to me. As I listened to the variety of his music I began to wonder if he was imitating songs in addition to his own. On to Google and yes that was the information provided. It explained the magnificence of this little bird’s impressive concert. However, I only saw and heard the concert because I had time to Observe, Absorb and Process (OAP).

This is so important for Principals and Teachers to do, but if they are too frantic, they may indeed miss a child or staff member’s “concert” and so know much less about them.

I believe this Butcher Bird has a high self-esteem and puts that to good use learning his repertoire. He would never have bothered to establish such a fine repertoire if he didn’t have a good imagination where he could visualise himself delivering such a professional concert. Yes, and a good Principal must have or develop a similar imagination and picture a how the school can be enhanced and how it might progress. It is not enough for a Principal to be simply a good administrator. The job, by definition is a creative one.

Modern life can be frantic and as a result choke out the opportunity to learn more. Learning is most important for a Teacher and a Principal and both should make this a priority. Learning enhances understanding and combining that with personal reflection can be a truly growing experience. Not giving teachers the chance to learn is a pity and will have a detrimental effect on a school. In a similar way a Principal, I believe, should see learning for themselves as enhancing the culture of their school by modelling something which will enhance Teachers if they embrace it.

I have found that after retirement from being a Principal, I discovered more and more to learn. Learning is stimulating and exciting and promotes a world of wonder. I don’t often see an Owl but did the other day. A beautiful, proud and smart bird, able to sit motionless for ages with clear, acute, vision, seeking for even the smallest game. A fine word “Owl” and its letters can stand for Observe; Wonder; Learn. I think that is a really powerful saying to teach children and to help staff. I was always disappointed in myself, after I had attended a really good PD, leaving the occasion enthusiastic but then failing to inject any of what I’d learnt into my practise. My excuse was I was too busy - not a good excuse.

This naturally leads onto Thought. Thinking is a magnificent gift we are given, though we are often so busy we don’t have time to think to the level or breadth of our satisfaction, which is a pity. However, it is important for a Principal to think deeply, creatively and constructively.

A Principal has the right of original thought. Though their ideas may be enhanced or substantiated by another’s thinking, they don’t always have to be. A Principal must have the capacity to be confident of their well considered ideas. I always thought it was a tragedy when I saw a Principal unconfident about their ideas and therefore unable to make a decision other than maintain the status quo. Creative decision making is part of a Principal’s tool kit; “fence sitting” is not!

Any Principal knows how important “Play” is for Children. Not all activities have to be organised within an inch of Child’s life. I’m a great fan of “Bluey”. I think it is a wonderful creation and I’m very pleased that so many people, not only in Australia but around the World, have embraced its value. Recently I was introduced to the “Bluey” song “Rain. “It is such a worthwhile song, and I set about learning it on my Mandolin. It seems to me that the song highlights play, rich but simple, carefree but creative. It is pertinent to someone living in Alice, where the rare event of a rainstorm results in Children roaring around, playing in the rain and getting thoroughly soaked. The song expresses this but describes the simple fun that the Children had making basic boats, and I assume sailing them down the gutters on the side of the road. Play is important but it doesn’t have to be complicated, and Children should be encouraged to play. And it is not always age specific.

Recently a relatively simple “Jungle Gym” was put into the new Discovery Centre development at St Philips which is a secondary school. The original thought was it would be great for the year 7s. But no, older students got “right into it” as well. Play can be unpredictable and not everyone wants to kick a football! As a parent or grandparent kids will want you to join in the play and have fun and how that all happens is interesting. What should be remembered is to resist the temptation to take over. Instead, their creativity must be respected. Sadly, some adults want to always be the expert and so don’t allow the Children to have their own creative time based on their own imagination.

Encouragement is at the apex of what a school should be about. Students and Teachers respond to Encouragement much more than criticism and they will both be more successful if encouraged. Teaching is a difficult game and Teachers can become disheartened. They need building up rather than shooting down. Of course, there will be times when criticism is warranted, but it is advisable that this is used carefully. Pupils also become disheartened by unwarranted criticism and rather than spurred on to success, are more likely to give up. Related to Encouragement is Understanding and behind Understanding is Reflection. Why is this Happening rather than simply this must not Happen is the valuable question. By asking this there is a greater chance that a valuable answer will be found.

Of course, the strength of a Principal can be demonstrated by modelling gifts such as encouragement. A Principal setting an Example is a powerful force in a school and though not always realised by the Principal, it will be noticed, and staff and students will talk about it. Students are likely to go home and tell their parents about a word of Encouragement rather than a Sentence of Criticism.

I guess today’s thoughts highlight what an eclectic job being a Principal is. Of course it is not for everyone, but rather it is for those with the right personality and gifts in their kit bag. It is one of the most challenging but interesting careers in the world. And being a Principal one belongs to a global group of people all wanting to do their best by their staff, students and schools.

I enjoyed the International Confederation of Principals’ Conferences I attended and the chance to share with other Principals from different Countries and Cultures. I found I learnt heaps from others, often in very different circumstances to me, through good conversation and indeed “good listening.”

Quick Thoughts:

• Observe Wonder Learn.
• Observe Absorb Process.
• Original Thought.
• Be Constructively Creative.
• What is a person’s “concert”?
• Play rich but simple, carefree but creative.
• Encouragement is the Apex, related to Understanding and Reflection.
• Why this happening, rather than this is must not happen.
• Principals must demonstrate/ model behaviour. An example is golden.
• Good Conversation and Good Listening.

Written by Chris Tudor