1.1 Development and Purpose of ManualThe idea of a Small School Manual came out of meetings held in 1996 and 1997 to consider future directions in rural education. One outcome was that both beginning and established principals in small isolated schools would benefit from additional support with leadership, organisation and management.
A working party of practising small school principals from across the state was drawn together in 1997 to pool ideas and resources to produce a Small School Manual. The production of this manual would not have been possible without the good will of this hard working team and the assistance of many others who provided valuable resources and support.
There are a large number of resources available to support the small school principal.However these are often not available in a concise user-friendly format. The purpose of this manual is to bring together, in a single resource information and ideas which will assist the new principal meet the demands of this challenging role. The manual should also be of use to more experienced principals.
The manual does not attempt to duplicate existing resources. Departmental documents and policies and other resources are referred to with suggestions as to how these may be accessed. It is recommended that the principal should add essential documentation to the manual to address individual needs.
The Small School Manual is designed to provide the small school principal with an awareness fo the range of policies, procedures and general information necessary for effective decision making. Much of its content should also be of relevance to principals of small Catholic schools.
We trust that the information and ideas provided in this manual will help you become confident in your new role or to develop your existing role.
The Survival Handbook for First-Time Principals, issued at the principal's induction program has many ideas for the new principal.
1.2 Acknowledgements
The Small School Management Manual was developed and compiled by:
Graeme Clarke
Principal, Tooraweenah Public School
Bruce Coote
Principal, Euston Public School
Julie Currey
Principal, Caragabal Public School
John Davidson
CAP Consultant, Wagga Wagga
Russell Irwin
Mathematics Consultant, Dubbo District
Garry Marshall
CAP Consultant, Tamworth - Editor
Robyn Parnell
Principal, Red Range Public School
Craig Renneberg
Principal, Quambone Public School
Chris Shaw
Principal, Wee Waa Public School
Delinda Hall
Principal, Baan Baa Public School
Jayne Wright
Principal, Clare Public School
Alison Watts
Desktop Publishing
The team wish to thank all who provided ideas and materials for this manual and those who will continue to reuse and refine the contents of this manual.
1.3 Using the Manual
A number of icons appear throughout the manual for quick reference :
Contact Numbers/Addresses
Suggestions or Good Ideas
Place to add Local Information
References
Where to obtain Support
1.4 FIRST THINGS FIRST CHECKLIST
Have You?
Contacted the District Superintendent
Contacted the President of P & C
Met the President of School Council
Checked school bank balance, annual budgets and financial statements
Located all keys and checked locks. Checked security system
Met all casual staff
Checked bus timetables
Visited the nearest Police Station
Contacted neighbouring school principals
Introduced yourself to DOCS personnel
Contacted Ambulance Service
Located nearest hospital/medical centre
Read through School Information and Staff Handbooks
Reviewed School Policies and Procedures
Made contact with district and state staffing contacts
Located Teacher Housing Authority contact numbersSorted out communication systems - phone fax, email, Internet, answering machine, mobile/cordless phone
Checked Staffing Entitlement
Reviewed Staff List OASIS Report 241
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