When is school principal day 2022

On Friday, 6 August 2021, we invite you to acknowledge the dedication and contribution that your Primary School Principal makes to your school community.

During the COVID lockdown periods, we have all developed a new appreciation of the value of schools in their local community and in their students’ lives.

Through all the ups and downs that our nation has experienced, each and every Primary school has had a person ready to step forward and willing to take the responsibility of leading their school.

In your Primary school the person in this role may be known by different titles. They may be the School Principal, or could also be Head of Primary, Head of Junior School or Campus Leader.

We ask that you take a moment to consider your principal’s unique place in your school community and use Australian Primary Principals Day, on Friday, 6 August 2021, as an opportunity to say THANK YOU.

Some ideas on how to celebrate this day are a celebratory morning tea, a few words of thanks at assembly, a parent saying thanks or a small card or picture from the students.

Any acknowledgement on this day will go a long way in reminding Principals why they love doing what they do and assure them of your appreciation and support.

The Australian Primary Principals Association, together with all sector state or territory Primary Principals Associations, are proud to promote Australian Primary Principals Day.

Please share your stories of thanks with us on #principalsday2021

Malcolm Elliott
President
Australian Primary Principals Association

The 2022 date for Australian Primary Principals Day is Friday, 5 August 2022.

The VPA invites your school community to celebrate Principals’ Day on Friday 5 August. The VPA and DET support principal class members in their challenging and dynamic roles as school leaders. Download the Principals' Day poster here , to display around your school or in your office.

School Principals’ Day is celebrated on May 1 annually to recognize the importance of principals, from elementary to high school, and all the work they do for the betterment of the school.

History of School Principals' Day

anet Dellaria founded School Principals’ Day as a day to recognize the principals of all schools, from elementary schools to high schools.

While the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a principal is a terrorizing figure who administers suspensions, expulsions, and detentions, we all know that there is really much more to them. Janet Dellaria, a teacher from Michigan, backed by many teachers associations, decided to dedicate a day to celebrate these educational leaders of schools and spread awareness of the importance of their role.

While students have to think about studying and teachers about teaching, the principal has a lot more on his or her mind pertaining to the school. From helping students to achieve more, managing students as well as the teachers, and living up to the expectations of the parents, the jobs of school principals are often underestimated. Another thing that makes them worthy of recognition is that they started as teachers and climbed their way up to the principal’s seat. They also often substitute for teachers if they have taken leave and thus know how to engage with students and make the learning process interesting. This is what makes the school principal more than just the head of a school but a true teacher who makes a difference in the lives of students. Their job includes meeting with the teachers, understanding the students’ concerns, planning lessons, as well as aiming to make the school better in all ways.

School Principals' Day timeline

1635

Boston Latin School

Boston Latin School, the first public school, is established in Boston, Massachusetts.

1742

Bethlehem Female Seminary

The Moravians of Pennsylvania establish the Bethlehem Female Seminary, America’s first boarding school for girls only.

1867

The Department of Education

Many federal agencies combine offices and establish the U.S. Department of Education.

1919

Progressive Education Association

The Progressive Education Association is established and all 50 U.S. states sign an agreement to fund school transportation for children.

Who founded School Principals’ Day?

School Principals’ Day was founded by Janet Dellaria who is a Michigan-based teacher and social worker. There were also many teachers’ associations who supported her in this cause.

What day is Principal Appreciation Day?

Principal Appreciation Day is just another name for School Principals’ Day, which is celebrated every year on May 1.

How do we celebrate School Principals’ Day?

There are many ways to celebrate the day. Depending on whether you are a student or not, you can either give them gifts, organize events, or send a thank you card of appreciation to your favorite school principal.

How to Observe School Principals' Day

Thank your principal(s)
Remind your principals of how thankful you are to them by sending them a handwritten thank-you card.
Give them a present
If you are a student, then present your principal with a gift to show them your appreciation for the role they are playing in your life.
Organize an event
Plan an event with your school friends to show some appreciation for your school principal and share it on social media using the hashtag #SchoolPrincipalsDay.

5 Facts About School Principals’ Day

Budget planners
School principals are the ones responsible for requisitions and budget-planning as well as finding grants and other funds to keep schools running.
More than an average employee
According to an EdWeek article, principles work an average of 60+ hours per week, which is a lot more than that of the average full-time employee (40 hours).
Head of security
During an event at a school, the principal takes over as the security chief, carefully coordinating everything to ensure the safety of the students and their families and other staff.
Endless jobs
Developing connections between teachers and students, organizing board meetings, contributing to community events, arriving first and leaving last, and many more factors make school principals some of the best multitaskers.
The true mentors
Not just for students but for teachers, too, school principals are mentors who show the right way to make teaching and learning an enriched hand-in-hand experience.

Why School Principals' Day is Important

It appreciates the role of a school principal
School Principals’ Day is dedicated to the significant role played by a school principal in the betterment of a school.
It recognizes the importance of the principal’s job
Being a school principal is not easy and this day serves to recognize the tough job that school principals carry out every day.
Not everyone can be a leader
School Principals’ Day is, in a way, the celebration of a true leader called the principal. Without their leadership, a school would not necessarily be able to produce well-educated contributors to society.