I have been a principal in schools across three educational jurisdictions and two states in Australia for over twenty years. My current principalship, in a very successful school, in a beautiful part of the Mid North Coast of NSW, has reached the ten year mark.
There is a tendency for leaders to cement their stance on a school and then enter the plateau phase of leadership. Some say it’s best to leave on a high, before the sedentary side of leadership takes hold.
That said, life long learners seek further learning opportunities. They need the next challenge to keep relevant and on top of their game. For me, coming to that realisation has been tough as, like all people looking at their future, there is more at stake than what’s in it for me. There’s family to consider, mortgages, kids’ schooling, spouse’s career, your own ageing parents and extended family members, and even your friendship circles.
There are many reasons one decides to take the leap into a new job. Once decided and announced that you are leaving, people only see the top of the iceberg, they don’t see what is happening under the water, or the myriad of contexts, conversations, rationales, barriers, that lead to the decision. Usually the first response, naturally, is how your decision will impact them?
This introduction brings me to the purpose of this blog!
I have, with the blessing of my family, made the decision to resign my position to take up an international leadership position in Dubai. This blog will be an attempt to share my journey, firstly with my family, who will, for the first part, remain in Australia, until our youngest finishes her HSC in 2015.
I hope to chronicle my experiences, more as a therapeutic or reflective process, but hopefully, like other similar blogs, offer insight into the highs and lows of moving into an expat life.
Absolutely with our blessing. Looking forward to being kept posted from afar. So proud of you.❤️
All the best Jake. Look forward to hearing how life and work OS is going. I’m sure it will be a great adventure for you, Annie and your family. Take care.
Thanks Tracey, appreciate the comment. It’s been a whirlwind preparing to leave but am looking forward to the move.
Congratulations Jake we are all proud of you and your wonderful family! As a leader you are an inspiration, demonstrating what is possible with vision, high expectations, commitment and true grit!
Thanks Lesleigh, Have appreciated your support this year, particularly around supporting our staff. Keep smiling.
Congratulations on your new position. The few times I visited your school in Coffs, I was impressed by your commitment and dedication. I have no doubt that your commitment and dedication will see your success in this next chapter of your life. Good Luck and Best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks Kevin, Learning is all about meeting new challenges. Visitation is a powerful professional development activity. When you are passing Dubai please call in for a school visit.
How inspirational it will be to follow your blog from Dubai, Jake. The wonder of IT allows you to share with us the educational setting in another part of the world. Maybe later through your role there, we may be able to have some IT interactions for students. Best of Luck. Robyn Lockwood SFX
Thanks Robyn, Look forward to the opportunity to connect with you, staff and your classroom. Love to share the story.