Your story “Bulk of principal posts go to locals” (NT News 14/1) offers good news to Territory educators with school leadership aspirations. It also indicates the bucking of what has been a system trend. For far too long, principal vacancies in Territory schools have been filled by people appointed from interstate. This has denied NT educators, many with years of leadership experience, the opportunity to fill top level positions in our schools.

The input of school leaders appointed from interstate can infuse new ideas while broadening leadership methodologies. However, for too long the depth and breadth of experience gained from years of educational service by Territory educators has been discounted, with local applicants for positions being overlooked

Forty seven (47) of the nine ((49) 2021 principal vacancies in our schools are being taken up by Territory applicants and that is good news. Many have years of relevant experience. They have completed professional development programs that hone their leadership and management skills.

I hope that 2021 is a watershed year, establishing the worth and building ongoing respect for our homegrown school principals. Our system and its schools should be enhanced if local appointments to principal positions becomes the new norm.

Sincerely

Henry Gray

Life Member

NT Principals Association

Leanyer NT

January 15 2021