Reflections of a principal chef

23 March 2011

Head chef ... Restaurateur David Pugh plays Principal for a Day last year.

Being Principal for a Day taught David Pugh, owner and head chef of award winning Restaurant II, a thing or two.

'For one thing, principals and staff of our state schools start well before nine and finish well after three, and for another, with 30 little personalities to contend with in each classroom, there is always a curveball for staff!'

As Queensland gears up for State Education Week 2011 (May 22-28), David is keen to share some of his insights from his visit last year to Milton State School, offering soon to be Principal for a Day participants a glimpse of his return to the classroom.

David, how did you spend your day as principal?
My day was incredibly busy starting with meeting a variety of grades and having morning tea with the preschoolers before heading out to "little lunch" duty in the playground.

I made omelettes with the older students and taught the preschoolers how to prepare vegetables, then spoke to the Year 4 and 5 students about why I enjoy being a chef, the opportunities it has presented me and the years of training it takes to succeed.

Are there any similarities in being an award-winning chef and a school principal?
Running a restaurant is definitely similar to being a principal. It's all about offering guidance to the younger students and encouraging the older ones to step up and reach their potential. Like chefs, principals also have a great deal of coordinating in their day-to-day roles and need to set a positive example for their mentorees, be they students or employees.

At the end of the day, you need to feel that they have really learned what you set out to teach them, because their futures are at stake.

What did you gain from the day?
Being Principal for a Day gave me a great deal of respect for teachers. As a dad, I know it was hard enough to look after my three children, let alone a class of students. It's a huge ask and I take my (chef's) hat off to them.

During State Education Week 2011, Queensland state schools will have the chance to host a prominent community member, such as business entrepreneurs, university professors, Indigenous elders, media personalities and athletes to job shadow their principal.

Principal for a Day 2011 will be held in Queensland on Monday May 23.

Schools can choose to find and invite their own Principal for a Day, or request assistance to find a suitable match.

Principals for a Day should be positive role models within the local community, but not necessarily high-profile celebrities.

Interested schools must register online at the Principal for a Day web page, and download an Information Kit for Schools.

Registrations close Friday April 15 2011.