Being a tumuaki is all about relationships, and good relationships with whānau, the school community and the wider community are essential. Today, we’re talking about ways to connect, build and maintain relationships with your school and wider community. My guests are: Ngaire Ashmore, tumuaki of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School John Prestidge, principal of Motueka High School Ngahina Transom, tumuaki of Frimley School in Hastings Stephen Eames, principal of Raroa Normal Intermediate School in Wellington. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals. You can learn more about this topic by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz Show notes Episode themes: Importance of being yourself, of being authentic whenever you’re engaging with your community so you can build a genuine connection. Let whānau know you care about their tamariki by sharing your values, passion and hopes for their kids with them. Importance of taking the time to get to know students, staff and families/caregivers when you first start, remembering that the first impression a family will get of you will come from their kids. Learning who your key stakeholders are and taking the time to get to know them, even if you get sick of drinking cups of tea and coffee. If you’re building a relationship with iwi, understand that this is an important relationship and that it takes time. And if you’re looking for contacts in that iwi, look in your own kura - your whānau are iwi, your whānau are your voice, your whānau are your activators of your school and your community [note: building relationships with mana whenua will be covered in a future episode]. Role model and live the values of your kura – they’re not just words on a website – to help bring your community along. Good relationships with your community can bring those values to life, creating a shared vision and trust and belief that what you’re doing is going to be good. It helps enable transformation to continue and evolve. Deficit theorising – you can always find problems, but with community buy-in you can solve them too. Look for opportunities to connect to help you learn who the key parties are in your community. You don’t need to figure it all out right away – you can form relationships by asking questions about to talk to about what. Questions 5:05 [to Ngaire] How important are relationships with whānau, school community and the wider community when you're tumuaki? 8:01 [to John] When you first started in the tumuaki role in a new kura, what steps did you take to build those relationships with the families in your school, and with the community? 11:26 [to Ngahina] How do you approach relationship-building? 14:09 [to Ngahina] What can good relationships with your community enable for your kura? 16:35 [to all] How do you establish who key stakeholders are when you first start in a school?
Being a tumuaki is a big job, and it can feel overwhelming and more than a little lonely at the top - but you’re not alone. Today, we’re talking about support available to new principals, and networks you can tap into for advice. My guests this week are: Saane Faaofo Oldehaver, currently seconded to the Ministry of Education for one year as leadership advisor Pasifika from her tumuaki role at Auckland’s Weymouth Primary School. Daniel Wilson, leadership advisor for Nelson Marlborough West Coast, on secondment from Nayland College in Nelson. Sandy Hastings, leadership advisor for Canterbury Chatham Islands area from her role as principal at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in Christchurch. Patrick Ikiua, national director for professional practice with Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa, the New Zealand School Boards Association (previously NZSTA). This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals. You can learn more about this topic by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz Show notes Episode themes: Importance of developing partnership and networks of support Connecting with kahui ako and other learning and development groups When a principal should seek advice and/or support, and the importance of connection with others Advice and support provided by the NZSBA, and the importance of contacting them early on if there is an issue What leadership advisors can help you with Support offered by the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association Other regional and national principals’ associations and what they can help you with Legal schemes you can join The importance of making connections to avoid loneliness and isolation Support the Ministry of Education provides Leadership advisors Education advisors Manager of integrated services Learning support team Financial advisors Traumatic incidents team Property managers Curriculum advisors NCEA advisors First time principals programme NZSBA principals onboarding programme for school boards Additional information: Kāhui Ako https://www.education.govt.nz/communities-of-learning/ NZSBA https://www.tewhakaroputanga.org.nz/advice-and-support/ Legal schemes you can join NZPF https://nzpf.ac.nz/legal-resources-and-support/ SPANZ https://www.spanz.school.nz/legal-about-benefits NZ Pasifika Principals Association https://nzppa.com Te Akatea Maori Principals Association https://www.teakatea.co.nz New Zealand Principals’ Federation https://nzpf.ac.nz Traumatic incident team - call 0800 848 326 Other education sector contacts https://www.education.govt.nz/school/new-zealands-network-of-schools/about/school-network-contacts/ Ministry of Education contacts https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/our-role-and-our-people/contact-us/ First time Principals Programme https://www.evaluate.co.nz/support-for-leaders/support-for-principals/leadership-advisor-support-for-beginning-principals Questions: 1:38 [to Saane] Why is it important for a tumuaki to develop partnerships and networks of support, especially when they first start in the role? 2:56 [to Sandy] When should a principal seek advice or support? 5:40 [to Patrick] Can you tell me a little bit about the NZSBA please and what it does, and the name changes that's been through in the last little while? 6:54 [to Patrick] Can you talk me through the kinds of issues that NZSBA can help with? 8:27 [to Patrick] Why is it important to contact the NZSBA in the first instance? 9:36 [to Daniel] Can you tell me a little bit about what leadership advisors do please, and what they can offer to new tumuaki? 11:11 [to Saane] Can you please tell me a bit about the support NZPPA provides Pasifika principals? 12:50 [to Sandy] There are a number of other national and regional principals associations that also provide support, including Te Akatea as well. Sandy, you were president of the Canterbury Primary Principals Association, what kinds of things did you do in that role? 15:03 [to all] Thinking back to when you were starting as new tumuaki, what difference did it make to you knowing that you had people you could call on if you did have concerns? 19:07 [to Sandy] What other support does the Ministry of Education provide to new tumuaki? 19:51 [to Sandy] What do education advisors do?
Today we’re talking about the process of transition into the tumuaki role, and the challenges that come with becoming principal. My guests this week are: Tom Paekau, who moved into the role of tumuaki at Merivale School in Tauranga from a previous principal role at Te Puke’s Rangiuru School Nita Pond, who moved into the role of tumuaki at Whanganui Girls College after assistant principal and deputy principal roles at the school. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals. You can learn more about this topic by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz Show notes Episode themes: Pathways into the tumuaki role Transition into principal role from senior leadership Going into a school new to you as principal Impressions of what tumuaki role would be like versus the reality Tips for making a successful transition into the role Importance of involving the school board in any change, and of bringing staff along on the journey Importance of building relationships Importance of getting to know the school – strategic plan, finances, processes Mistakes new tumuaki can make Episode themes: 1:05 [to Nita] Tell me about your journey into the tumuaki role. 1:33 [to Nita] What made you want to become tumuaki? 2:06 [to Nita] Tell me about your transition into the tumuaki role. What went well and what did you find challenging? 3:21 [to Nita] Were there any challenges that came from moving from peer to boss? 4:01 [to Tom] You've come in as tumuaki to a school new to you a couple of times. Can you please tell me a bit about your previous roles? 4:55 [to Tom] What was it like the first time you became principal in a new school, at Rangiuru? 6:10 [to Tom] Looking back on that first role as tumuaki in a school that you had no prior knowledge of, is there anything you would have done differently? 7:30 [to Tom] When you stepped into the role at Merivale School, was your experience different, because you now had some experience under your belt as tumuaki? 9:37 [to Nita] What do you think was the magic ingredient for a successful transition into the principal role? 11:05 [to Tom] How did you handle changes you made at the school with the staff? Did you bring them along for the ride, or how did you how did you navigate that? 12:45 [to Tom] What do you think new tumuaki going into a school that's new to them should focus on? 16:05 What do you think are the biggest mistakes new tumuaki make? 18:00 What advice would you offer to new principals? 20:09 What do you enjoy most about being tumuaki?
Today we’re talking about the law as it applies to schools and to the principal role. While you don't need to be a lawyer to be a principal, you do need to understand how legislation, natural justice and judge-made law affect your role. We talk through relevant legislation, powers you do and don’t have under law, managing legal risk, give tips for avoiding legal fishhooks, and let you know where to go for advice on actual or potential legal issues. My guests this week are: Gretchen Stone, partner at law firm Harrison Stone with significant expertise and practical experience in the legal issues that schools and school leaders face in New Zealand. Patrick Walsh, MNZM, tumuaki of Sacred Heart College in Auckland, former president of the Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand and the Australia New Zealand Education Law Association, foundation member of the New Zealand Teachers Council and current member of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Education Council, former chair of the New Zealand Law Society Seminars on Education Law. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals. You can learn more about this topic by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz Show notes Episode themes: Importance of understanding legislation as it applies to schools and to the tumuaki role Legislation principals should understand, including the Employment Relations Act, Privacy Act, Bill of Rights Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, Education and Training Act Powers principals do and don’t have under legislation, including in relation to suspensions Responsibilities of principals under law Relevant sections of legislation to get your head around Managing legal risk Ensuring you have a good complaints policy to help manage issues Things that can trip tumuaki up and how they can be avoided, including the dangers of zero tolerance policies Where to go for advice. To learn more about this topic, see Section 1 of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules [link]. Additional information: New Zealand School Boards Association (formerly New Zealand School Trustees Association, NZSTA) https://www.tewhakaroputanga.org.nz/advice-and-support/ Dealing with complaints https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Managing-your-school/Guides-for-managing-your-school/Dealing-with-complaints Education and the law https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Education-and-the-law Basic principals of law for school leaders https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Education-and-the-law/Basic-principles-of-law Education and Training Act 2020 https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/legislation/education-and-training-act-2020/ Legislation https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2020/0038/latest/LMS170676.html Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 https://www.education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/ Legislation https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2015/0070/latest/DLM5976660.html Employment https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Education-and-the-law/Employment Employment Relations Act 2000 https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Education-and-the-law/Employment/Employment-relations Legislation https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2000/0024/latest/DLM58317.html Privacy Act 2020 https://www.education.govt.nz/school/managing-and-supporting-students/sharing-information/ Privacy Act 2020: Resources for schools https://www.education.govt.nz/school/managing-and-supporting-students/sharing-information/privacy-act-2020-resources-for-schools-and-early-learning-services/ Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions guidelines – Part 1 https://www.education.govt.nz/school/managing-and-supporting-students/student-behaviour-help-and-guidance/stand-downs-suspensions-exclusions-and-expulsions-guidelines/ Guidelines Part 1: Legal options and duties PDF https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/Documents/School/Managing-and-supporting-students/Stand-downs-suspensions-exclusions-and-expulsions-guidelines/17-5-18-SuspensionLegalGuideWEB-1.pdf Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions guidelines – Part 2 https://www.education.govt.nz/school/managing-and-supporting-students/student-behaviour-help-and-guidance/stand-downs-suspensions-exclusions-and-expulsions-guidelines-part-2/section-3-actions-of-last-resort/managing-complaints/ Guidelines Part 2: Good practice https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/Documents/School/Managing-and-supporting-students/Stand-downs-suspensions-exclusions-and-expulsions-guidelines/17-5-18-SuspensionGoodPracticeWEB-2.pdf M&R vs Palmerston North Boys’ High School decision https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/school-board-trustee-and-principal-failed-follow-disciplinary-process-contrary-law Questions: 1:52 How important is it that new principals understand the legislation that applies to schools and to the principal role when they're first starting out? 2:59 Which legislation is particularly important for new tumuaki to get their heads around? 4:52 What powers do tumuaki have under the Education and Training Act? 6:35 What powers don’t tumuaki have? 7:08 What are the responsibilities of principals under law? 8:28 Are there particular sections that are important to look for in legislation? 9:27 What can new principals do to manage legal risk? 11:39 What can principals do to minimise legal risk? 13:28 What are the pitfalls, the fishhooks that can trip new tumuaki up, and how can they avoid them? 16:38 Where should principals go for advice on legal matters? 19:44 Any advice you would like to share with new tumuaki?
Welcome to The Principals, a podcast series for new school principals in Aotearoa New Zealand. This week, we’re talking about the basics of the tumuaki role – how it differs from other senior leadership roles in a school, your new responsibilities as principal, and how the role changes depending on the kura itself. My guests this week are: Leanne Otene, president of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, on secondment from her role as principal at Manaia View School in Whangarei Vaughan Couillault, Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand president and tumuaki of Papatoetoe High School in Auckland Bruce Jepsen, manukura of Te Akatea Maori Principals’ Association and tumuaki of Te Akau Ki Papamoa Primary School in Tauranga Andrew King, president of the New Zealand Rural and Area Schools Leadership Association and principal of Oropi School in the Bay of Plenty. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals. You can learn more about this topic by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS. Show notes Episode themes: Overview of tumuaki role, and different hats principals wear Differences between other roles in a school and tumuaki role How assumptions about how the tumuaki role changed once our guests became principals How the context of a school changes the nature of the role What new tumuaki should focus on when they first start Advice for new principals, from those who’ve been there before. To learn more about this topic, see Section 1 of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules [link]. Guest information: Leanne Otene, president of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, on secondment from her role as principal at Manaia View School in Whangarei New Zealand Principals’ Federation https://nzpf.ac.nz Vaughan Couillault, Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand president and tumuaki of Papatoetoe High School in Auckland Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand https://www.spanz.school.nz SPANZ FAQs https://www.spanz.school.nz/general-faq Bruce Jepsen, manukura of Te Akatea Maori Principals’ Association and tumuaki of Te Akau Ki Papamoa Primary School in Tauranga Te Akatea Maori Principals’ Association https://www.teakatea.co.nz Huia Kaimanawa https://www.teakatea.co.nz/huia-kaimanawa/about-huia-kaimanawa Andrew King, president of the New Zealand Rural and Area Schools Leadership Association and principal of Oropi School in the Bay of Plenty. NZRASLA https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz Principals’ toolkit https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz/15/pages/11-nzei-principals-toolkit Questions: 2:19 [to Andrew] How much of a jump was it moving from a team leader role into the role of tumuaki? 3:02 [to Bruce] When you first started as tumuaki what did you think the role would be, and how different was it than what you first thought? 4:17 [to Leanne] Thinking back to when you first started, did you have assumptions about the role and what it would be like? 5:39 [to Vaughn] You’d had some senior leadership roles in some pretty big schools before you became tumuaki. How does the tumuaki role differ from those other senior management roles, in your experience? 6:59 [to Andrew] So you all wear so many hats as principals, and I imagine that the hats that you wear can be different from day to day. What kinds of issues you could be dealing with in a in a typical week, if there is such a thing? 7:58 [to Vaughan] When we spoke previously you mentioned things like drainage issues on the property, you know things that I would never think that a principal would have to deal with 8:44 [to Bruce and Leanne] You agree that it's a CEO role, but it's way more than that? 10:00 [to Bruce] Do you think there’a a way to prepare yourself for these things that you don't know you don't know until you realize you don't know them. 11:09 [to all] How does the context of a school change the principal role? 14:04 [to all] Do you think relationship building is the most important thing for a tumuaki to focus on when they first start in the role? 18:10 [to all] If you could give any advice to incoming tumuaki one piece of advice, what would it be? 19:40 [to all] What is your favourite thing about being tumuaki? 21:50 [to all] Anything to add before we wrap up?