Name: Neerja Yadav-Dulalchan

Date: Friday 31st, July, 2015

Topic: Principals Plenary

ID#: 04729122
Location: Rm 325/326 (spill over room)

Journal entry #2
Today, three Principals from three different schools in Trinidad were present for my
EDFA5210 class. They were there to have a discussion panel about their philosophies and
problems that occur at their schools. The three Principals included Mr Sakkal from Shiva Boys,
Mrs. Hicks-Rayburn from Barataria South Secondary and Mrs. Rahaman from Asja Girls
SanFernando.
At the start of the panel I was intrigued to learn the different perspectives of each
Principal and I was also interested in hearing about the different situations and problems they
had to deal with at their schools and how they dealt with those problems. Each Principal spoke
about the different issues that they experienced at their schools. Mr Sakkal implored that teachers
be mindful of their sick and occasional leave stating that although teachers can have 14 sick days
and 14 occasional days, teachers must more ethical in their leave taking and think about the
impact of their absenteeism on students. I am not a teacher who abuses my leave, and after he
spoke I felt proud that I also shared his positive attitude to work. Mrs. Rayburn spoke about her
love for her students, how much her effort teachers put out and her biggest worry of hoping that
her students and school didnt end up in the media. She became emotional and so did I. Mrs.
Rahaman also spoke of her hardworking teachers and asked teachers to remember that they were
there to serve students in the best way possible.
I felt motivated by the Principals when they spoke of their philosophies. Generally, they
all had the best interest of their teachers and students at heart. They spoke about the positive

work that their teachers do and urged teachers to have more positive attitudes towards their
profession and their students. They were really passionate about their students and teachers and I
was moved. After the panel, teachers were allowed to ask questions where some teachers aired
concerns and frustrations about their administrations. The principals were able to address most of
the teachers concerns. This segment was very successful, however some teachers began to leave
because it was lunch time, which distracted and may have upset one of the guest speakers.
What was significant about this experience for me was the insight I gained into the
different point of views of different Principals besides my own. This has made me reflect on my
current work practises and attitudes and has inspired me to do more than I already do for my
students. I have learnt to be thankful for my job and the school in which I teach and also I have a
better understanding of the actions of my own Principal. I have also reinforced the idea in myself
that much is expected from me as a teacher and that I must make every effort to do whats in the
best interest of my students.

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