The physiological, psychological and work stress of primary school principals

In May 1993, the Australian National Project on Leadership and Management Training for principals published its report entitled Leaders and Their Learning[1]. The report acknowledged that the project was undertaken in a time in which economic and social changes were occurring at reckless pace, values long regarded as desirable were vanishing, and restructuring was under way in every business, bureaucracy and endeavour in the quest for better efficiencies, rationalization and value for money. The report concluded that, as a result, “the role and functions of principals are evolving in different directions”. The report identified several new realities for principals. Included were: • a sharper delineation between leadership and management in schools; • the need to accept, learn about and develop skills in new styles of leadership previously not part of the principal’s repertoire of activities; and • the essential prerequisite for growth in a growing world – ongoing professional development.