Handbook to help managers perform better
The School Managers Handbook was funded by the Access to Quality Education Programme (AQEP).
The launch of a detailed School Management Handbook will assist managers understand their roles better and at the same time boost the education of our children.
For the most part, school managers are seen as the finance managers, new-building co-ordinators and the boss of all the auxiliary staff at schools.
But their role is much bigger than that. In fact, yesterday at the launch of the handbook in Ba, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Mahendra Reddy reminded all school managers that they were ambassadors of the ministry in their various communities. Putting out the right message and not adding or subtracting was important.
Basically, the handbook outlines the roles and responsibilities of managers and how they can better collaborate with the ministry in delivering quality education.
Managers were encouraged to avoid working in silos as was the experience in the past. Instead discussions with school heads, teachers and other stakeholders were encouraged.
But the focus often placed by school managers for fundraising events were discouraged. Mr Reddy emphasised that “planning and action on funds” ought to be the focus for school management with regards to the school grant distributed by Government. The School Managers Handbook was funded by the Access to Quality Education Programme (AQEP). Through the Fiji National Council of School Management, the handbook also highlights the council aims such as:
connect school boards with relevant stakeholders, in particular the Ministry of Education,
eliminate managerial issues that can damage the culture of teaching and learning in schools,
ensure that there is foremost a healthy relationship between all School Managers throughout Fiji,
promote sharing of ideas and a combined approach when dealing with situations,
platform for increased interaction and co-operation.
All good works indeed and good for education in Fiji.
Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy reminded all school managers that they are ambassadors of the ministry in their various communities.