Write to Win (Round 7): If you were a school principal, who would you pick to assist you?

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Write to Win (Round 7): If you were school principal, who would you pick to assist you and why?

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If you were the head of your school, who would you add to your team? Photo: Shutterstock

Do you love a challenge? Don’t miss the chance to win great prizes by taking part in our next writing contest! Click here and fill out the online form to apply.

The entry question is: If you could travel back in time to three years ago, what advice would you give yourself? The deadline is 11.59pm on Monday, May 5. We will notify the new contestants chosen on Wednesday, May 7.

Read the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most on this form.

We have prepared some exciting prizes for our top three contestants:

  • Winner: Kindle, City’super voucher and a YP certificate

  • First runner-up: Instax camera and a YP certificate

  • Second runner-up: City’super voucher and a YP certificate

March

If I had the opportunity to shape my school’s leadership team as principal, I would ask students to assist me. You might say, “Why would you do that? Plenty of teachers and staff could bring so much to the table.” I agree, but encouraging student participation in school operations would allow us to use their unique strengths and perspectives on education.

In my opinion, involving students in the school’s future would help foster a sense of responsibility and ownership. It is fair, allowing everyone to have a voice and convey their insights, needs and aspirations. Speaking out and sharing their personal opinions shape a healthy learning environment.

Moreover, it will give me an insider scoop on how to assist them in their learning. Teachers may have valuable wisdom from years of experience, but students definitely bring the latest trends and contemporary issues to the table.

With cooperation and respect between parties, both sides can certainly learn from each other. Having students on board encourages open lines of communication, ensuring everyone’s voices are heard.

Overall, it will create a harmonious school environment and allow us to work together toward common goals. Wouldn’t it be simply amazing? Imagine being able to help out on key decisions. With collaboration, you can imagine a school where everyone thrives, learns and feels valued – now that sounds like a winning team!

Write to Win (Round 6): What is a lesson learned in school that will be useful later in life?

May

While I could leave education matters to my school’s exemplary teaching staff, the finances and external and internal affairs would have to be handled by me and the people I choose. I would select three people, each overseeing a part of the school. Their basic requirement would be that they have experience and are passionate about teaching.

The first vice principal will handle administration, so they must be good at numbers and staff management. They will mainly be in charge of the corporate equivalent of human resources and finance. This will help maintain the school’s functionality and overall structure.

The second vice principal will focus on academics, organising various activities and preparing teaching plans. Not only are organisational skills required, but also excellent teaching experience. This will ensure the school has a well-built educational system where students learn efficiently and are prepared well for the future.

The third vice principal will be geared towards student development and support, growing their interests and non-academic talents while supporting their mental well-being. Moreover, disciplinary actions are a major part of students’ development, teaching them societal morals and ethics. This position needs someone who knows how to get creative and be empathetic so that the activities planned are enjoyable and educational. They will also have to be a tough but fair person so that they can guide students on the right path.

Write to Win (Round 5): If you did not have to work, what would you do with your time?

October

If I had to pick an assistant, the qualities I would look for are accountability, empathy and experience. On that count, my visual arts teacher would make an ideal candidate.

To begin with, while the school navigates transitioning, I would adjust school policies and schemes. Having to attend plenty of functions as a newly elected principal might mean I cannot handle all sorts of paperwork on my own. So, I could really use the help of someone willing to take on responsibility.

Always on the run and multitasking – designing posters, organising exhibitions and planning trips – my arts teacher is incredibly competent and productive. Hence, it would make a great difference if I had someone as responsible as her to assist me in coordinating school operations.

Moreover, as being in charge of a school is tough and would require much adapting, I would need an assistant who could double as a friend.

My art teacher has always been understanding and supportive, given her expertise in guiding students to discover their talents and creativity. She is able to coach while recognising and appreciating improvement along the way, which is precisely what I need in my pursuit of leadership.

Lastly, it is crucial to recruit someone knowledgeable to help me acclimate to my new role. My teacher has been employed at my school for over a decade and has directed various departments, even those unrelated to arts. In this regard, she is well-acquainted with daily school operations.

Considering the above, I believe my visual arts teacher is ideally suited to assist me in managing a school.

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