This longitudinal research has been undertaken for since 2011. Preliminary analysis of results for 2019 indicate that in terms of wellbeing the health of our colleagues is in general not getting any better. The report does however carry some messages that we as principals should take on board as we manage work / life balance and the challenges Covid 19 has placed upon schools and society.

There is a reminder in the recommendations that as principals we should “love your work but not let it dominate your life”. The report encourages principals to take responsibility for their personal work /life balance and the report reminds us that this cannot be imposed. This makes it clear that it is up to us to ensure that we get this balance right.

There is emphasis on the need to ensure that dignity is maintained in the work place. The report suggests the need to urgently look for causes and reduce the level of adult- adult bullying, threats of violence etc. This point will be taken up through our Principal Support Reference Group with our employer.

Sadly the report point out that the average school leaders wellbeing is less optimal than the average citizen.

The need for school leaders to engage in professional support networks is emphasised as is the need for attention to be paid to professional learning for school leaders. It is suggested that this learning should focus on the emotional aspects of teaching and learning, organisational function impacting emotional labour, dealing with difficulties and conflicts in the workplace and debriefing self and others.

In the report there is reference to work – family conflict for school leaders which occurs at approximately double the rate of that in the gnarl population. SO!!!!!! We must manage the work / life /family side of our lives perhaps even better that we balance the many tasks we perform everyday at school.

We have asked AGPPA for a copy of both the 2018 and 2019 NSW statistics so we can have a closer inspection of trends.