The document details the role of a sole charge teaching principal at a school, emphasizing the dual responsibilities of teaching and administration. It highlights collaborative planning with a release teacher, constant evaluation of student needs, and the importance of involving staff, students, and parents in the learning environment. The principal expresses the challenges of isolation, the necessity for effective communication, and the commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative educational atmosphere.

1. Sole Charge Teaching PrincipalWhat does that look like in our school?

2. Not only did I have to think about managing and teaching, I also had to think about sorting out the MESS!

3. We sorted out the class and all the programmes for learning. We learn at our own pace and our work is assessed and moderated to find the level we are actually working at.

4. Classroom:I plan with my release teacher.I utilise my teacher aide – Phonics, Talk to Learn, PMP, Early Words, and group work during mathematics.I complete the planning for reading, numeracy, integrated inquiry, te reo, power writing, P.E., music, visual art, and handwriting.My release teacher completes the planning for writing, topic-based mathematics, health, drama, and dance – and follows my reading, handwriting, and P.E. programmes.We meet officially once a week but we discuss whatever crops up constantly – our meetings are on the run.We plan, teach, assess, and evaluate our own teaching subject matter and I check all planning before it is taught.We share ideas and support one another. We are both flexible and responsive to each other’s needs.We work on sending the same message to the students so that they don’t try to pull the wool over our eyes.

5. You must show confidence as a Leader…The students come first no matter what.I complete all requirements as I go.I deal with every requirement as it comes in and then I don’t have to worry about it again.I have a list of all the important stuff and cross off things as I complete them.I follow what I believe in.I keep referring to what ERO have said and I make sure that we review what we are doing and monitor everything we do and decide on where we need to go next to achieve our goals.I ask questions and promote teacher inquiry.I implement our NZC development, involving staff and students.I focus on the students and their needs.I teach and learn alongside my students with a supportive attitude.

6. Sole Charge is exactly that…Sole Charge…You are everything to everybody and you are on show 24/7.I talk to others for advice and to check against my own thinking.I run around constantly…no breaks…meeting after meeting…people popping in without warning…RTLBs…parents…phone calls…professional development…workshops…mail…accounts/finances…property requirements…Board meetings…buy supplies…budget…charter work…audit work…reporting…parent/teacher interviews…cleaning when needed…I design and implement curriculum development…plan, teach, assess, evaluate, inquire into practice…I make sure that we have effective systems in place and evaluate them, constantly.I test students and decide what’s effective.I model my behaviour to staff and students.I introduce new ideas to others and sell what is exciting and inspiring.I encourage others to learn, listen, and explore their own ideas.I make sure the grounds are neat and tidy.I promote healthy eating and living – I gave up smoking to authenticate this.I demand good manners.I promote and enforce the school rules, procedures, routines, and boundaries.I follow, model, and review behaviour expectations.I encourage staff, student, and parent voice.

7. Right or Wrong… Who knows!PositivesNegativesWe have fun.We learn together.We work hard.We strive to be the best in our World!We promote a family environment.We are innovative in our thinking and are prepared to try new things.I know that I make a difference.I can make executive decisions.I am happy with my development.I am sure that I am beginning to find a balance…I swing from admin to teaching and back again.I love my job.I forget that I must behave.I lose it sometimes.I let the powers-that-be know how I feel about their decisions.Working alone means that I am isolated most of the time.I can be short with some people when they become too demanding.I will not let anyone make me feel as if I don’t know what I am doing…I am learning the hard way.I go home and reflect on my day with a glass of wine.I say things that I shouldn’t.I lose touch with my colleagues on a social and on a professional level.

8. We are… Inspired to Learn in a Progressive EnvironmentNow…We are having fun in a warm, tidy, safe, and clean classroom environment.We involve parents to share their talents…We cook because we love to eat…We are moving forward everyday and we love learning!

9. In Our School, We Help Ourselves!We are developing our wiki page to help us moderate within our school.Visit our wiki spaces website and see what we are doing! http:tarehaschool.wikispaces.com/We work together!We look for inexpensive ways to learn and we utilise what is out there for free. We don’t have a PTA or fundraising committee to support us. We spend money wisely and we decide, including the students, what our money is best spent on.We know where we have been and we know where we are going…We drive our future!