Reform stress high for principals

Press, 28 June 1989, Page 9

Reform stress high for principals

By

GLEN PERKINSON

Canterbury primary school principals could be among the most overworked in new Zealand because of extra duties called for by “Tomorrow’s Schools” reform, says an Educational Institute spokeswoman. Because of the region’s many small schools it may have more principals trying to run their school, teach classes and complete work demanded of them by the education reform.

Ms Jessie Thompson, president of the Christ-

church branch of the N.Z.E.1., said the Government “doesn’t seem to have an understanding of the pressures it is putting on principals with this extra work.

“Into the bargain they are trying to teach and run the school.”

Wellington principals are also complaining about the stress the extra work is placing on them.

The Wellington branch president, Mr Peter Braun, said that because principals were “trying to do three jobs at once” their family life suffered

through long hours and stress.

Principals were trying to be professional leaders, administrators, and teachers, all at the same time, he said.

Money for relieving teachers runs out on Friday, and no decision about more money will be made until the Budget is released on July 27.

Comment was still not available from the Minister of Education, Mr Lange, about teaching principals’ heavy workloads and what the Government intended to do about the matter.