Principals under pressure
VICTORIAN principals are being subjected to violent attacks and facing burnout, a new survey has revealed.
The Australian Principal Occupational, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey, by Australian Catholic University, revealed almost a third of Victorian principals said they experienced threats of violence – more than four times higher than the general population.
The research surveyed 2590 school leaders across all states and territories and made policy recommendations to governments and key stakeholders.
More than 29 per cent of principals also said they endured physical violence, which was seven times higher than the general population.
The survey found 14 per cent of principals experienced bullying, while almost 21 per cent experienced cyber bullying.
While Victoria measured the lowest in all findings compared with other states, burnout (physical and mental fatigue) were the highest since the survey started in 2011.
Co-chief investigator Professor Herb Marsh said soaring demands on school bosses were unsustainable.
“Principals and their deputies worked on average at least 55 hours a week,” he said.
“A quarter of those reported working more than 60 hours a week, so it’s unsurprising the sheer quantity of work is the top stress factor.
“What the 2021 survey tells us is the younger and less experienced ones are reporting higher levels of stress than their more experienced peers.”
Overall, 82 per cent of principals reported increased connections with their school families, with most educators also experiencing high work satisfaction levels.
Victorian Principals Association president Andrew Dalgleish said the rates of psychological ill-health remained a “grave concern”.
Australian Primary Principals Association president Malcolm Elliott said the survey data should be the catalyst for meaningful, systemic change.
“The time is long overdue for governments to welcome to the table those who have the most workable ideas for how to redesign a cracked system – the principals,” he said.
Education Minister James Merlino said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, it’s reassuring that Victorian school principals have the lowest rates of burnout and stress, reporting lower work demands and higher job satisfaction than any other state or territory.
“The health and safety of our staff and students is our first priority and we have passed legislation to ensure school leaders and staff are treated with the respect they deserve, supporting principals to respond to offensive behaviours by parents or carers.”