Australian Professional Standard for Principals Leadership Profiles

The crucial role of the principalPrincipals are responsibleand accountable for thedevelopment of children andyoung people so that they canbecome ‘successful learners,confident creative individualsand active informed citizens’.The role of the principal of a school in the twenty-first century is oneof the most exciting and significant undertaken by any person in oursociety. Principals help to create the future. Principals are responsible andaccountable for the development of children and young people so that theycan become ‘successful learners, confident creative individuals and activeinformed citizens’ 1 .They embody the power of education to make a difference to the lives ofindividuals and to society, now and in the future.Principals are the leading educational professionals in the school. Theyinspire students, staff and members of the community to continuouslyenhance the learning of all and they continually strive to understand andimprove their impact.Principals network and collaborate with a wide range of people to securethe best possible learning outcomes and wellbeing of all students. Theyare skilled at establishing and maintaining professional relationships andstructures.Principals are able to embrace uncertain, complex and challengingcontexts and work with others to seek creative and innovative solutions thatsupport quality outcomes for all.The principal in contextThe principal works in a complex, challenging and changing environment,leading and managing the school of today, ever-conscious of the needs oftomorrow.Uniqueness of each school within its communityAll schools sit within their own distinct community. Their local ethos, culture,history, vision and values influence the way in which opportunity to excel isprovided to all students.1. The Melbourne Declaration onEducational Goals for YoungAustralians (December 2008)6 Australian Professional Standard for Principals and the Leadership Profiles