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Meetings and the Deputy Principal

April 14th 2016

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To explore the range of meetings a Deputy Principal experiences in his/her role and consider how to make these as effective as possible

Purpose of the Session

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What types of meetings are you involved in?

Discussion

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• Full staff meetings• Staff group meetings (e.g., Dept)• Individual meetings (student,

teacher, other staff, parent)• Parent-Teacher meetings• Outside agencies• Other schools• Union meetings

Range of meetings

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‘Meetings bloody meetings’

Video clip

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1. Pre-meeting2. Meeting3. Post-meeting

Discussion about formal whole- and part-staff meetings

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• Meeting calendar• Notice• Agenda• Meeting with Principal?• Meetings with other individuals?• Preparation reading?• Survey?• Previous meeting minutes?• Practicalities

Pre Meeting

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• Previous minutes and matters arising• Norms and expectations• Timing• Minute-taking, and template?• Chairing strategies• Wrap-up and actions agreed• Next meeting - date, time, location

Meeting

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• Distribution and storage of minutes and relevant documents

• Follow up on actions• Further individual meetings?

Post Meeting

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1. Pre-meeting2. Meeting3. Post-meeting

Discussion about one to one meetings

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Be prepared

– evidence

– information from other teachers

– previous correspondence

• Break bad news in advance of the meeting

• Plan to have some specific suggestions ready

• Decide on a time-limit

• Decide if you need to have a colleague present?

• Plan your acceptable outcome(s).

In advance of the meeting

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• Listen

• Use statements like “I care about your child”

• Be honest and truthful

• Seek parents' suggestions

• Try to find common agreement on a way forward

• Stand firmly by school policies, but admit mistakes when appropriate

• Take notes of what was said and agreed

• Always be respectful (and expect respect)

During the meeting

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Follow up:-

• Keep in touch

• Any referrals

• Any actions agreed. Have you done yours?

• Inform parents about any improvements

After the meeting