vocational practices

what leaders do

Excellence in learning
Lutheran schools and early childhood services value excellence and creativity in teaching and learning for all community members. A culture of challenge and support nurtures enthusiastic, independent learners, committed to lifelong learning. Excellence in teaching and learning is focused on improving student outcomes which includes spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, cultural and social dimensions. All learners should have access to quality learning experiences that ensure they develop their God-given abilities so that they may enrich the world. High expectations are established through reflective practice, collaborative planning, monitoring, providing feedback and reporting on the effectiveness of learning. The learning environment promotes active engagement, risk taking, motivation and a strong learner voice.

Ongoing improvement and innovation
Improvement in Lutheran schools and early childhood services is guided by its values, vision and mission. Excellence is pursued through a culture of reflection, collaboration, innovation and creativity. Evidence is gathered to develop and implement improvement plans and policies for the continuous development of teaching and learning, the institution and its facilities. Ongoing professional learning encourages all members of the community to achieve high standards and develop their service and leadership capacity.

Strengthening Lutheran identity
Lutheran schools and early childhood services, as agencies of the Lutheran Church of Australia, share a recognisable Lutheran identity in which the gospel of Jesus Christ informs all learning and teaching, all human relationships, and all activities in the school. The rituals, symbols, visual displays and practices convey its Christ-centred identity. The school/ early childhood service community is regularly involved in Christian worship which includes daily devotions. Christian Studies is an essential and distinctive part of the formal curriculum. Lutheran schools and early childhood services deliberately and intentionally share and live the good news of Jesus Christ with students, families, staff and the broader community.  Opportunities for faith nurture are actively promoted and maintained.

Community building
Lutheran schools and early childhood services value the richness and diversity of the wider community and other education sectors. Positive and strategic partnerships are developed and maintained with students, families, local Christian communities, the broader community and Lutheran education. The relationships are built upon support, collaboration, trust and reconciliation. The Lutheran school/early childhood service community lives out the gospel and is active in service of others. The multicultural and multi-faith nature of Lutheran education and Australian society fosters understandings of diverse cultures.  Lutheran education promotes the understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Leading effective organisation and management
In Lutheran schools and early childhood services, roles, responsibilities and procedures are clearly articulated so that staff can participate in its smooth and efficient operation. Data and knowledge management methods and technologies are used to ensure that resources (human, physical, technological and financial) are efficiently organised and managed to provide an effective, safe and caring, growth-oriented learning and working environment. Strategic planning ensures the ongoing improvement and sustainability of the school/early childhood service. Best practice is built upon effective collaboration between the governing body, staff, students, families, church and others.

Workshop resources
Governance resources for Strengthening Lutheran identity (best viewed in FireFox)    (ebook download available here)
DRAFT principal job and person specification    
DRAFT principal reflection tool