One of the best parts of my job as Principal

It's a double edged sword - a growing school. On one hand we have access to a raft of resources denied to small schools, and we have a depth of teaching expertise that enables us to offer interesting and engaging programs and to cater for the diverse needs of all our students. But it also means my role as a Principal is changing. Correction: has changed - quite dramatically over the last year or two.

We have a large leadership team now whose responsibility is much of the front line tasks I love - interacting with students, meeting with parents, spending time in classrooms with teachers improving learning outcomes.

My role is incredibly diverse - I manage a big budget, oversee the building of new facilities, recruit our staff, design and provide professional development for everyone. I plan for the future while managing the present and continually reflect on our past. We have a staff of 81 and I work with all of them. Despite this I'm determined to remain 'hands on' - I'm in the playground (and the car park!) and at Assemblies; I run our staff meetings; my door is always open for teachers; other staff and parents alike (and for kids showing off their work); I love to be in the classroom - for any reason whatsoever (and sometimes for no reason!); I run the school tours and I still do most of the enrolments.

Making time for our new families is one of the favourite parts of my role. And in the week preceding the first day I've met a LOT of new families. It has been just lovely to sit with people and listen to them talk about their kids and their hopes and dreams for their new life at Peregian Springs State School. People have come from everywhere - Western Australia, Brazil, Korea, Victoria, New South Wales, Canada, northern Queensland and Noosaville. I've read student reports, talked with pride about my staff and what they are capable of, made sure everyone has their uniforms, book packs, and swimming notes, and invited them to Meet Your Teacher afternoon. I've listened to little ones tell me about their previous teachers (this is always very entertaining), their new shoes and lunch boxes and their hopes for a friend on the first day. My heart always goes out to new students (read my blog post about being new). Starting a new school is always hard but it's also a special time, an exciting one too.

We have approximately 850 children all bursting to get to school on Tuesday morning (well, maybe a couple are a little reluctant).  I can't wait to see each and every one of them. No matter how big our school gets it's important to always make time for children and their families.

So - Happy New Year, everyone, and all the best for the first school week - whether it's your first or your sixth!