The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

As the summer break approaches, this episode explores essential self-care strategies for principals. The conversation covers creating boundaries during holidays, maintaining wellbeing throughout the year, and practical approaches including setting firm finish dates, prioritising activities outside education, and the importance of being fully present. Our guests discuss reframing rest as essential leadership practice rather than optional luxury. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill Our guests are: Roger Phillipson, psychologist at the Ministry of Education Heidi Haywood, principal of Dunedin North Intermediate Michael Fletcher, principal of Chaucer School.

Every year, principals face the same challenge: with limited time and budgets, how do you choose professional learning opportunities that will genuinely improve teaching and student outcomes? This episode combines insights from ERO's research on PLD effectiveness with practical, real-world strategies for making smarter professional development decisions. While ERO found that most school leaders were strategic in their choices, many struggled to evaluate whether their PLD actually shifted teaching practices or improved student outcomes. Our guests will share their approaches for identifying genuine learning needs, vetting PLD providers, and ensuring professional development translates into classroom improvements. From asking the right questions before committing to a programme to building systems that sustain learning beyond the workshop, discover how to move beyond professional development that looks good on paper to PLD that creates lasting change for both you and your staff.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill   Our guests are: Alistair Sinton, tumuaki of Mount Maunganui College Jen Rodgers, principal of St Clair Primary School and on the NZPF executive Elena Moretti, director of engagement and impact at the National Research Centre   Additional information Principal Development Map (MOE) with PLD recommendations https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/principal-development-map

In part two of this conversation, our rural principals share honest insights about managing release time with ever-changing priorities, bringing professional learning opportunities to isolated communities, and supporting staff wellbeing when burnout creeps in. This episode offers practical wisdom for staying grounded and connected in the demanding role of rural school leadership. Our guests are: Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei. Additional information New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

Leading a rural school comes with unique rewards and challenges. Mārama Stewart speaks with three passionate rural principals about what drew them to rural education and how they navigate life in close-knit communities. Our guests share how they look after their hauora, maintain professional boundaries, and stay connected through networks like RASLA. From bleeding generators to managing septic systems, they remind us that rural principalship extends far beyond leading teaching and learning. This is part one of a two-part conversation exploring rural school leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our guests are: Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei. Additional information New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

In this episode, we explore how principals can effectively support teachers through the professional growth cycle – moving beyond the old appraisal system to create meaningful, growth-focused practice. Our guests share practical strategies for using data effectively, fostering professional curiosity, and creating systems that support teachers before challenges become competency concerns. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. Our guests are: Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council Stephanie Thompson, principal of Beachhaven School in Auckland Isaac Day, former tumuaki and leadership advisor in Nelson/Tasman Additional information Teaching Council https://teachingcouncil.nz/professional-practice/professional-growth-cycle/