‘Set focus on growing leadership potential’
SCHOOL principals have been requested to set their focus on growing leadership potential across the community, from students to teachers and staff.
This was the lament of Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh while officiating at the 128th Fiji Principals Association conference in Nadi on
Wednesday.
“We can do this by reflecting on how we build a sense of intention together, how we connect with each other, and how we direct those we lead with compassion and affirmation,” Mr Singh said.
“School communities are full of people who have both the ability and desire to lead. Some lead without knowing it.
“Most lead without the recognition they deserve.
“Whether you lead in a classroom, department, building, or district, chances are you know how challenging it can be to identify and develop other strong leaders and to grow the leadership capacity of your organisation as a whole.”
Mr Singh reminded the 176 heads of schools that they needed to ensure leaders around them know their worth.
He also reminded them that it was their duty as school heads to help their staff cultivate connections and grow their confidence to help their team move forward together and the people within to thrive.
“I hope that the discussions that you are going to have in these two days are stimulating and productive.
“And I hope you can gain a long-term benefit from the information you are gathering and the experiences that you are sharing.
“If you do that, this conference will be a success, not just in its own terms, but a success in terms of the action it can spark for the future.
“I hope it will deepen understanding, inspire that action, and ultimately advance the cause of leading your institutions towards affirmative change and foster quality and equitable education, which I believe is so close to the heart of everyone here.”