The tough job of being school principal

Over 30 years I worked with many principals (Jane Caro, “A matter of principals”, September 11-17). Most of them did their job well, three shone brightly and the schools lit up, and one nearly destroyed us. Despite multiple attempts by parents, teachers and the Teachers Federation to be rid of them, the principal clung on, eventually finding a new school to ruin. I saw the effect when one of our lovely teachers was put on an improvement plan by another principal. The teacher didn’t deserve the treatment they received and like Jim’s wife was marched off school grounds. Organisations designed to protect us can hurt us by the steeliness of their procedures and gaps in their compassionate use of them. Most teachers I know would never want to be a principal. They want to be with the kids. Management is hard enough. Leadership is another thing altogether.

Beverley Fine, Pagewood, NSW