21st Century Principals are expected to be leaders in the wise use of information and communication technology.  The First-time Principals Programme offers a wide range of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities in all facets of the programme.

In addition to email and telephone we encourage the use of a variety of multi-media communication tools.

The 0800 Audio Conference Service:

This a free service, provided by the Ministry of Education for principals and their mentors to use during their participation in the First-time Principals Programme. It enables principals to ‘meet’ in a pre-booked audio conference. Click here for further information about holding effective audio and video conferences (pdf: 72k) Booking information and procedures are provided to participants.

Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP):

Communications can be further supported by software and services (such as Skype) using Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP).

Web Conferencing Software:

Abode Breeze Meeting is best described as the equivalent of a face-to-face meeting room, online for more than two participants.

Breeze Meetings offer a full range of interactive teaching and communications tools, including video images (with webcams), audio, a shared workspace (‘whiteboards’), document sharing, integrated text-based chat, question and answer facilities, and more.For more background information on using Breeze meeting, click here to visit the Adobe website. To link to the Breeze Server click here.

First-time Principals are served by:

The First-time Principals website

The programme’s website has comprehensive information about the First-time Principals Programme. It includes the web-based enrolment application, selected residential course presentations, online selection of your Option Sessions for each residential course, useful resources and copies of the monthly newsletters NewsFirst.

Learning Modules:

A number of multi-media curriculum modules are accessed through FTPO.

Each module is designed to help new principals with a specific leadership area.  The module topics have been selected to assist the professional learning and work of new principals to increase their influence as leaders of teaching and learning in their schools.

There are currently three online modules.

Module 1: Planning and Reporting

This module takes planning and reporting beyond being an exercise in compliance. It will enable you to appreciate the contribution it can make to your effectiveness as a school leader to improve student learning throughout the school.  The resources provided are intended for both primary and secondary principals, and include a section to address the differing factors encountered by kura kaupapa Maori tumuaki.

To view this module please click here

Module 2: The Elements of Teaching Effectiveness

This module provides principals with

-the latest research about the most influential and effective classroom teaching practices that improve student achievement, and

-strategies to identify if these practices are known to teachers and are being used in their classrooms

-resources to help them introduce effective teaching practices with their staff.

The resources provided with module 2 are designed to support your understanding of the conceptual basis for assessing teaching effectiveness, and to engage staff with these ideas,

To view this module please click here

Module 3: Building Trust in Schools through Open-to-Learning Conversations

This module provides learning support materials that will help you to reflect on and develop your skill in using open-to-learning conversations (OLC) in difficult interpersonal situations.

To view this module please click here

Technical Assistance: 

First-time principals can access technical help for their school’s IT issues by contacting Douglas.harre@minedu.govt.nz

The free Information and Communication Technology ICT Help Desk has been established to provide schools with a single point of contact for all their ICT support and assistance needs.  Call the toll-free number 0800 CALLICT (0800 225 5428) or send an email callict@tki.org.nz (include your name, MOE school number, and school name) Help is available with issues ranging from ICT policy advice through to technical support.