Dr Deborah Netolicky – Principal, Walford Anglican School for Girls
What have been the most rewarding aspects of being a principal?
Few things are as rewarding as being part of the education journey of students and families, and part of the lives of staff. School principalship is an act of service that provides a profound sense of purpose and commitment to community. Serving as the custodian of a school’s values, traditions, histories, and future trajectory is an extraordinary privilege and responsibility.
As principal I have a front row seat (often quite literally!) to experiencing the impact of our school and its dedicated staff on the young people in our care. Whether through attending camps, concerts and sports events, or daily interactions in classrooms, the playground and the boarding house, watching children’s individual stories of growth and achievement unfold fills me with immense pride, joy and gratitude.
I feel very lucky to do what I do as principal, and to walk alongside members of the school community through life’s many and varied experiences. Being part of a values-based and close-knit community consistently reminds me of the powerful role schools play in nurturing deep and authentic human connection, and in providing opportunities for students to learn, connect, be, and become, without judgement and within an environment of high care and high challenge.
What professional learning or growth opportunities have been most beneficial in your leadership journey?
Never underestimate the enduring value of the professional relationships built throughout a career journey. Many of my most impactful learning experiences have come from generous mentors, inspiring leaders, and supportive colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure of working and learning. Meaningful conversations with mentors and fellow educators have repeatedly shown me how micro-interactions can influence the development of our leadership beliefs, practices and ways of being.
In terms of formal study, I can highly recommend the AICD Company Directors’ Course for those aspiring to principalship. It provides a useful baseline for understanding governance, risk management, strategy, legal perspectives and financial oversight – essential areas of expertise for principals. Additionally, completing a PhD and engaging in academic writing developed my ability to critically receive feedback, manage complexity, and maintain clarity through challenging situations.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to principalship?
Leading is an action and a way of being, deeply rooted in purpose and always responsive to context. Principalship is often an exercise in constant code-switching and navigating complexity. It is always multi-faceted and never boring! It demands adaptability, resilience, and the ability to remain buoyant and clear-headed through challenging circumstances. Principals navigate strategic planning, major projects, and crisis management, all while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of their school community and maintaining an unwavering focus on the school’s clear, compelling vision.
While leading is always about others, knowledge of self can help a leader to anchor themselves in their purpose, develop a consistent framework for decision making, and find ways to build the resilience required for the role. Those aspiring to principalship would benefit from knowing their why, values, personal ethics, strengths, and areas for growth.
My advice to aspiring principals would be to excel in their current role while learning all they can, including and especially in areas with which they have less experience. Seek to understand the range of stakeholders in the school community, and listen particularly closely to those who present a critical view. Seek out mentors, build professional networks of trusted colleagues, and remain open to new professional experiences and ongoing learning.
