Meetings and the Deputy Principal April 14th 2016

Purpose of the Session To explore the range of meetings a Deputy Principal experiences in his/her role and consider how to make these as effective as possible

Discussion What types of meetings are you involved in?

Range of meetings Full staff meetings Staff group meetings (e.g., Dept) Individual meetings (student, teacher, other staff, parent) Parent-Teacher meetings Outside agencies Other schools Union meetings

Video clip ‘Meetings bloody meetings’

Discussion about formal whole- and part-staff meetings Pre-meeting Meeting Post-meeting

Pre Meeting Meeting calendar Notice Agenda Meeting with Principal? Meetings with other individuals? Preparation reading? Survey? Previous meeting minutes? Practicalities

Meeting Previous minutes and matters arising Norms and expectations Timing Minute-taking, and template? Chairing strategies Wrap-up and actions agreed Next meeting - date, time, location

Post Meeting Distribution and storage of minutes and relevant documents Follow up on actions Further individual meetings?

Discussion about one to one meetings Pre-meeting Meeting Post-meeting

In advance of the meeting Be prepared – evidence – information from other teachers – previous correspondence Break bad news in advance of the meeting Plan to have some specific suggestions ready Decide on a time-limit Decide if you need to have a colleague present? Plan your acceptable outcome(s).

During the meeting Listen Use statements like “I care about your child” Be honest and truthful Seek parents' suggestions Try to find common agreement on a way forward Stand firmly by school policies, but admit mistakes when appropriate Take notes of what was said and agreed Always be respectful (and expect respect)

After the meeting Follow up:- Keep in touch Any referrals Any actions agreed. Have you done yours? Inform parents about any improvements