The program helping principals stay in the job - The Educator

“Earlier this year, the Australian Primary Principals Association warned the stress and burnout caused by COVID-19 could see school heads walk away from the job once the pandemic ends.

The most recent national report into principal occupational health and wellbeing has found that nearly one in three principals face stress and burnout, as well as high levels of threats and physical violence by parents and students.

In response to the findings of these annual reports, a collective of educators initiated the Flourish Movement, which addresses principal wellbeing in a constructive, positive and proactive manner.

The research-based program – developed by Dr Adam Fraser in consultation with a leadership group from the Shellharbour Primary Principals’ Council – has since achieved significant results, including a 56% increase in positivity at work and a 20% decrease in stress levels.

Below, The Educator speaks to program’s new facilitator, Bob Willetts, about the latest research to come out of the program and the outlook for principal health and wellbeing in 2021.”