Primary Principals' (NZEI) Collective Agreement

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Primary Principals' (NZEI Te Riu Roa) Collective Agreement [PDF, 778 KB]

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Changes to the agreement

Read about the recent changes in the Primary Principals' (NZEI) Collective Agreement.

Changes to the Primary Principals’ (NZEI) Collective Agreement 2023-25

Schedule 2: Professional Standards for Primary Principals

Primary Principals' (NZEI) Collective Agreement
Effective: 3 July 2023 to 2 July 2025

  • Professional Standards for Primary Principals
    • It is no longer a requirement to have a performance agreement.  If the board has any concerns regarding the competence of a principal , the provisions in Part 8 of this Agreement will apply.  The standards below provide clarity about professional expectations for principals.  They can form part of the principal's job description and alongside the school's strategic plans, contribute to a framework which assists in assessing and reviewing current fulfilment of expectations and in identifying future professional development.

       

      Areas of Practice Professional Standards
      Culture
      Provide professional leadership that focuses the school culture on enhancing learning and teaching.
      • In conjunction with the Board, develop and implement a school vision and shared goals focused on enhanced engagement and achievement for all students.
      • Promote a culture whereby staff members take on appropriate leadership roles and work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning.
      • Model respect for others in interactions with adults and students
      • Promote the bicultural nature of New Zealand by ensuring that it is evident in the school culture.
      • Maintain a safe, learning-focused environment.
      • Promote an inclusive environment in which the diversity and prior experiences of students are acknowledged and respected.
      • Manage conflict and other challenging situations effectively and actively work to achieve solutions.
      • Demonstrate leadership through participating in professional learning.
      Pedagogy
      Create a learning environment in which there is an expectation that all students will experience success in learning.
      • Promote, participate in and support ongoing professional learning linked to student progress.
      • Demonstrate leadership through engaging with staff and sharing knowledge about effective teaching and learning in the context of the New Zealand curriculum documents.
      • Ensure staff members engage in professional learning to establish and sustain effective teacher / learner relationships with all students, with a particular focus on Māori students.
      • Ensure that the review and design of school programmes are informed by school-based evidence and other evidence.
      • Maintain a professional learning community within which staff members are provided with feedback and support on their professional practice.
      • Analyse and act upon school-wide evidence on student learning to maximise learning for all students with a particular focus on Māori and Pasifika students.
      Systems
      Develop and use management systems to support and enhance student learning.
      • Exhibit leadership that results in the effective day-to-day operation of the school.
      • Operate within board policy and in accordance with legislative requirements.
      • Provide the Board with timely and accurate information and advice on student learning and school operation.
      • Effectively manage and administer finance, property and health and safety systems.
      • Effectively manage personnel with a focus on maximising the effectiveness of all staff members.
      • Use school / external evidence to inform planning for future action, monitor progress and manage change.
      • Prioritise resource allocation on the basis of the school’s annual and strategic objectives.
      Partnerships and Networks
      Strengthen communication and relationships to enhance student learning.
      • Work with the Board to facilitate strategic decision making.
      • Actively foster relationships with the school’s community and local iwi.
      • Actively foster professional relationships with, and between colleagues, and with government agencies and others with expertise in the wider education community.
      • Interact regularly with parents and the school community on student progress and other school-related matters.
      • Actively foster relationships with other schools and participate in appropriate school networks.

      Note: Principals with teaching responsibilities will also need to meet the requirements of current standards and/or criteria for teachers.