Judy Hanna

(Principals Today)

What is the role of the Principals' Federation? The New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF) is a professional organisation for principals. We have more than 2000 members. Our vision is to be the preferred professional organisation for all principals.

Does the Principals' Federation have some objectives? NZPF operates a principals' helpline and has done so for 10 years. It offers opportunities for principals to receive funding to support their professional development. It represents principals on a variety of reference, advisory and management groups. It has a partnership in the New Zealand Principal and Leadership centre.

NZPF and all of its members are also members of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP). The ICP International Conference is being held in Auckland in April 2007. We expect 1500 registrations from New Zealand and around the world.

Where did you study teaching and what are some highlights of your career to date? I studied at Wellington Teachers' College and I started teaching at Woodhatton School (now closed) in Wainuiomata. I have taught in Sydney, Australia, England (on teaching exchange) and in various schools in Auckland. My first principal position was at St Therese School, Three Kings in 1989 - the year Tomorrow's Schools became a reality. I have been principal at Mangere Bridge School since 1991 and I love it. I enjoy the challenge of a decile three school, the children, the parents and the amazing staff who always put in that extra effort for our students.

What were some big changes that made a difference to your career and how did you manage to adapt to the transition from teacher to principal? I became a principal in the year that everything changed. Before that I was a senior teacher so I learnt how to be a principal by practising! It must have been a hard decision to move on from Mangere Bridge School after 16 years.

What made you decide to take up the position of president? I stood for election as NZPF president as I believe principals are the drivers of education direction in New Zealand and we need a strong organisation supporting us in the role. That organisation is NZPF. Nowhere in the world has reform been so swift or so complete as it was in 1989 in New Zealand. Principals made self-managing schools work then and they are doing the same today.

The New Zealand principal is a superhero, successfully managing the business of a school with its myriad compliances and relationships as well as leading the professional development for staff and the implementation of curriculum in classrooms.

I wanted to take a leadership role in the NZPF. As well as professionally supporting principals this is a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a person/educator and to step outside my comfort zone. I am especially looking forward to the part of the role that involves meeting principals around the country.

When do you start? January 1, 2007. I am only going to be president for one year and then I am going back to Mangere Bridge School - and my husband! At the moment the president has to relocate to Wellington. This is a big decision leaving family, friends and colleagues behind.

Do you have your own objectives you would like to achieve in this position? During 2007 I would like to bring a professional face to NZPF and to continue the good work done by previous presidents. It is important for NZPF to continue to ensure principals are represented, consulted and informed. This is done through regular liaison meetings with the minister, ministry and ERO, and through various sector groups. New Zealand principals have a unique place in the education world and need to be acknowledged for the work they do.