In this blog I've written a lot about student wellbeing and in my list of school effectiveness criteria it is number 1 (see previous posts in this blog).
In my local newspaper today there are the the details of a comprehensive report tapping into whether students of non government and government schools in Western Australia feel safe. While it is reported that most do there are still worrying numbers who don't.
Every student when they enter the school gates each day should feel safe and respected. It must be part of the School Development Plan (see other posts in this blog) that the wellbeing of students be regularly measured and the results acted upon immediately if there are students who feel unsafe and not respected. With a nation-wide emphasis on student wellbeing in school there are devices for such measurement out there in internet land. I am sure also that graduate Schools of Education in Australian universities would be only too happy to devote time to assisting schools to research the wellbeing of the students.
Across Australia students are returning to school for the commencement of the 2018 academic year. Principals will be giving a special focus to students new to their school such as the little ones up to those entering their first secondary (high) school year.
Student wellbeing has its frontline in the classrooms and effective Principals will be educating their teachers to recognise this responsibility daily and giving them tools to ensure wellbeing. This attitude needs to be part of the school culture where 'culture' is defined as the way things happen around this community.
A special thought is given to Principals who are having their first day in the job. How exciting and challenging. I am reminded of the story of the person saying to their partner that they had butterflies in the stomach and felt too ill and unable to go to school. The partner replied: "My dear you have to go as you are the school Principal."
May the Force be with you!
GD
No comments:
Post a Comment