PRINCIPAL SPEAKS
Blue Mountains principal
awarded Harvard scholarship By Sheetal Singh Industry Reporter
Blue Mountains Public School Principal, who changed the school’s reputation locally, has been awarded the prestigious Harvard Principal’s Scholarship. Katoomba High Principal Jennifer Boyall is one of the three Australian public-school principals to receive the scholarship. The grant, valued at US$16,000, provides principals worldwide to undertake a short teaching course at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Under the program, Ms Boyall, with other awardees from all over the world, will undergo professional training designed to reinforce the skills of these selected educational experts.
The modest principal contributes this achievement to all her staff and teachers. She says the school has a non-hierarchical leadership style which makes the school “achieve great things”. “At Katoomba High, everyone is important, and everyone is heard. We focus on staff and students alike,” she said.
Leadership Style at Katoomba High The distributive leadership style at Katoomba High allows the teachers, including the principal, to be accountable to the students, parents, and the community. “Our school has a beautiful story. You hear of examples of distributive leadership, and this is an example that shows that when it is enacted, amazing things can happen,” Ms Boyall said.
The public high school’s enrolment has increased by about 90 percent, with 970 students enrolled in 2021 compared to 520 in 2013.
Ms Boyall says she remains very visible in the school and stresses that her door is always open for students and staff. “I have a strong open-door policy. The community is always welcome to come in and raise issues or concerns. It is important to me that students and parents feel heard and valued,” Ms Boyall said.
She says everyone has a perspective about “the good and the bad” of the school. “Anyone can come and talk honestly to me about how they think the school is going. I then take the time to celebrate and acknowledge the school’s strengths, as well as seeking creative solutions to any problems,” Ms Boyall said.
“It is a wonderful recognition for the journey of the school,” she said. “Although I am the one receiving the award, I believe it is recognition of the great work the school community has achieved together.”
“I welcome constructive criticism and try not to be defensive.
“It is a story of the amazing work that can occur when there is a genuine partnership between a school and its community. With a shared vision, great things can be accomplished”.
“I think it is imperative to genuinely hear and validate people’s opinions and explore the creative ways in which we can move forward.” Ms Boyall has a mantra that she tells her teachers- “if the students don’t know that you care, they are not gonna be interested in what you are teaching.”
Since joining as the principal at Katoomba High in 2013, Ms Boyall has worked towards changing the community’s perception of the school.
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“I do my bit, so the students know they have a voice, and there is a strong focus in this school for each student to have a voice.” Ms Boyall ensures she is very accessible as a principal, a teacher, and a listener.
Ms Boyall, who feels “very humbled” and “extremely excited” to have received the award, spoke to School News about her leadership style and the school’s journey.
The public high school’s enrolment has increased by about 90 percent, with 970 students enrolled in 2021 compared to 520 in 2013.
“Students can make an appointment with me or just knock on my door during their lunch break to come and see me and talk about anything that’s bothering them.”
Jennifer Boyall
EDUCATION
Katoomba High, under Principal Boyall’s leadership, focuses on student well-being and respect for each student. Term 3, 2021 | school-news.com.au