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School lessons for community leaders

14 April 2010
By Rebecca Perry

Learning curve ... Chief Scientist Peter Andrews with Camp Hill Infants and Primary School principal Debbie Driver.

Learning curve ... Chief Scientist Peter Andrews with Camp Hill Infants and Primary School principal Debbie Driver.

Queensland's Chief Scientist Professor Peter Andrews has helped to develop medical drugs, created research institutions and led the state's investment in science.

He also made some surprising discoveries when he was a Principal for a Day during State Education Week last year.

Professor Andrews visited Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School in Brisbane's east and found school life much busier than he remembered as a student at Sherwood State School.

'I was very impressed by how a principal works across a range of roles,' he said.

'I saw them deal with the parents of a child being suspended from school, work with a student with special needs, oversee teams of students winning competitions in aerobics and football, award youngsters for academic achievements and help every child in the classroom reach their full potential.

'That was all on top of being out there supervising in the playground so doing it all is obviously challenging but it seemed that this school was doing it well.

'I also think it is important for students to learn about different job opportunities that are out there so I helped them understand how much potential there is to work in science and mathematics.'

Business and community leaders can get a taste of school life through Principal for a Day again this year.

Registrations are open and the event will kick off celebrations for State Education Week which runs from May 24-May 28.

Schools can get involved by hosting their own events or taking part in the range of state-wide programs including My Favourite Teacher. During the week, the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools regional awards will be announced at ceremonies across the state.

Schools are also encouraged to link with the Year of Environmental Sustainability by promoting their achievements in adopting environmentally sustainable practices.