The principal is one of the most important figures in school administrations. The principal sets the mood of the school: a nice principal who is too lenient may lead a school that lacks in academic skills, whereas a principal who is mean and too strict may lead a school that feels constrained. Having a balance between strictness and laxity should be the number one requirement for any principal.Because primary schools are the building blocks of education for all children, it is important that the principal of a primary school has qualities that reflect the required goals of the school. For instance, if a school wants to succeed academically, a principal who is somewhat strict about academic policies and integrity is important.

The following qualities should stand out:

Integrity: a person who leads others with integrity is a good leader. Not only will this leader put others before himself or herself, but this leader will make the necessary sacrifices to lead others with dignity. This person will do what it takes to make others’ situations better than his or her own.

Responsibility: a principal who is responsible will conduct himself or herself well. This person will try not to make mistakes, but if he or she does commit some mistake, he or she will take the responsibility for it. A person who does so not only shows integrity, but maturity and wiseness.

Intelligent: though intelligence is often connected to being book-smart, it also means that a person has good common sense. A person who is intelligent and well-versed in many subjects can help his or her school become better in those subjects. Principals who are intelligent will want their students to be as intelligent as they are.

Kindness: a person with genuine kindness can lead students to promising futures. In primary schools, principals with kindness in their hearts can help nurture children.

Involved: all principals should be involved in their students’ academics and social life. They should care about how their students are performing, and with whom their students are making friendships. Doing so can help minimize the amount of negative consequences that the students may experience later on.

Principals have to be role models for their students. Without a doubt, students look up to their principals for guidance and support. So, if a primary school principal is going to be successful, he or she should think about how he or she measures up to his or her students’ expectations.

Joan Inong