Principal for the Day

_{02, June 2010}

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Geoff Wilson is welcomed by Samford State School students

State Education Minister and Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson went back to school this week, and assisted Samford State School’s Acting Principal Keith Warwick as part of 2010 Education Week celebrations.

Geoff Wilson said that the annual Principal for a Day program is designed to establish and maintain important partnerships with high-profile members of the wider community.

This year is particularly interesting for me as it is the first time I have acted in the School Principal role since I was appointed Minister for Education and Training," Geoff Wilson said.

"I thoroughly enjoy the experience and certainly see school life from a very different perspective," Geoff Wilson said.

"I experience first-hand what it is like to be the principal of a Queensland state school, as well as getting an insight into the daily operations of a state school," Geoff Wilson said.

"Duties of the temporary principal might include running a school assembly or being on playground duty," he said.

"It's all about bringing a range of candidates into the school ground so children can learn a little bit, and hopefully our Principals for a Day will learn something too.

"This year's Principals for a Day included a chemist in a bush town, a police officer, an Indigenous elder, education administrators, a suburban shopping centre manager, local MPs and the state head of an international company who is involved in the Partners in Learning joint venture between business and school students.

"It gives participants a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in running a school, including administration and interaction with students and parents.

"Principal for a Day is a fun way to demonstrate how the education system is equipping young students for the future.

"Business and community leaders shadow the job and walk in the shoes of a principal during a regular school day, gaining an insight into the daily operations of state schools and allowing school communities to interact with important role models.

"That insight will contribute to the discussion between government and educators and the public begun in the State Government community-consultation initiative, A Flying Start for Queensland Children, which is all about the future of education in Queensland."

For more information on participants in Principal for a Day click here. 

"Education is the foundation to lifelong learning," Geoff Wilson said. “Schools help to create the people we are and assist us to learn the value of our community."

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