Schools across the region have temporarily seen a new face at the top.
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Now in its 18th year, the Principal for a Day program witnessed principals at eight schools in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maryborough shadowed by leaders from other sectors hoping for insights into a crucial but challenging role.
That included at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, where principal Dale Pearce was shadowed by Bendigo Health’s executive director of integrated care services Liz Hamilton. It was a chance to share insights and throw around ideas for how the two organisations could join forces, given the number of BSSC students in health-related pathways.
“We are just over the road from the school here, so we have been discussing how maybe we could work together,” Ms Hamilton said.
Mr Pearce said he and other principals valued the program in part because of the opportunities they brought for reciprocal visits.
“There’s always some opportunity for follow-up,” he said.
Other participants in this year’s Principal For A Day program included:
- Trevor Schwenke, CEO, Bendigo Kangan Institute, attending Castlemaine Secondary College with principal Paul Frye
- Carolyn Stanford, managing director, Stanford Marketing, attending Lightning Reef Primary School with principal Julie Hommelhoff
- Vicky Mason, director of health and wellbeing, City of Greater Bendigo, attending Eaglehawk Secondary College with principal Danielle Derksen
- Martin Collins, manager of youth pathways and transitions, north-western Victoria region, Dept of Education & Training, attending Maryborough Education Centre with principal David Sutton
- Paul Chapman, executive chairman, Australian Turntable Company , attending Crusoe College with principal Brad Madden
- Trevor Budge, manager of regional sustainable development, City of Greater Bendigo, attending Weeroona College Bendigo with principal Leanne Preece
- Chris Keating, CEO, Victorian School Building Authority, attending Kennington Primary with principal Travis Eddy.
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