Should I attend . . . ?

I spent this past weekend at the BCPVPA Presidents’ and Chapter Council Meetings in Richmond, BC.  I have had people question the value of my attendance at these meetings and they wonder if we are getting good value for the money spent to send me to take part.  My answer to that question is it is good value.  I would encourage others to become involved and to further their own professional development by becoming an active member of the BC Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association.  There are three key benefits from attending these events.   You get to connect with other principals, you get to learn about issues from the provincial perspective, and you get time away from your own building to reflect on the learning. 

When you attend one of the regular Principals’ or Chapter Council meetings you get a chance to talk to other principals from around the province.  There are people from schools of 1500 students in districts where there are over 200 principals, to others who may be in schools with less than 100 students and where there are fewer than 20 principals in their district.  Despite the size and location of the work environment, we tackle similar issues, and we can also learn from those experiences that we may never have to encounter ourselves.  The recent survey of BCPVPA members has highlighted that within the room there are some who have many years of experience and hold a vast amount of knowledge and expertise, while others are young and inexperienced or have just arrived to the role of principal.  Access to this networking opportunity, where experiences can be shared, and where common issues can be discussed is invaluable to individuals new to the position.

           

Another benefit of attending these events is the chance to see education issues from a larger provincial perspective.  We discussed issues affecting our Association and our membership as a whole and we also got to hear from the Minister of Education, Peter Fassbender.  His address was particularly timely as he emphasized that that change is happening.  He said that the time for talk is over and that it is now time for action.  This is an important message for me to bring back, not only to our members, but to our staff as well.  Another key bit of learning was in regard to the Teacher Regulation Branch.  Although this organization has been in existence for almost two years, we do not really have a clear picture of their role or the impact that they are having.  My own lack of knowledge about the TRB, and that of most of the people in the room was concerning.  However, we are now more informed and will be able to share that information with our colleagues.

The final benefit to attending these events is simply the time to reflect on our own situation/circumstance in a more relaxed, somewhat social setting away from home.  Many of the most insightful pieces that I discovered in the last three days happened at coffee breaks, at meal times, or during the evenings after the formal meetings were completed. 

           

Attending the BCPCPA Chapter Council and Principals’ meetings is something that is valuable to our District, to my colleagues in our local Chapter, to me as an individual.  This is money well spent.