Leaders forge some high principles

By Nathan Johnston
VICHEALTH chief executive officer Dr Rob Moodie was called in to Southvale Primary School last week to be its principal for a day.
Dr Moodie stepped in for Sue Barford as part of the State Government’s Principal for a Day program, designed to give 110 corporate, political and community leaders the chance to find out what it takes to run a Victorian government school.
Other highprofile temporary principals included State Treasurer John Brumby (Broadmeadows Secondary College), ABC Radio presenter Jon Faine (Footscray City College), chef Gabriel Gate (Wheelers Hill Primary School) and comedian Rod Quantock.
Welfare and maths teacher at Southvale, Brenda Botterill, said Dr Moodie did an admirable job.
“He started the day at 8am to take part in the Walking School Bus program, and then helped with the Breakfast Club program until 9am.”
Ms Botterill said Dr Moodie then joined an embroidery group for nonEnglish speaking parents, before taking on official duties where he opened the school’s new pergoda.
Each of the pergoda’s seven sides is dedicated to a religious faith, with members of the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network attending the launch.
“Dr Moodie cut the ribbon, hosted a special morning tea, and then spoke to all of the students about the benefits of healthy eating,” Ms Botterill said.
“Then at 1pm he left to go to Canberra.”
In return, Southvale principal Sue Barford attended a VicHealth board meeting and a business lunch earlier in the month.
Education Minister Lynne Kosky said the program promotes productive communication between schools, business, industry and the wider community.
“It brings a host of benefits to everyone involved,” Ms Kosky said.
Program coordinator Mary Cahill said many of the business leaders had never visited a government school.
“It’s a real eyeopener and often participants are astonished by the breadth of school activities and students’ sophistication.
“For the schools, it’s a dooropener and a chance to make new relationships, many of which continue well beyond the event,” Ms Cahill said.