Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

44 Oct 09
Regional Network Leaders
questions for
Barbara O’Brien
Barbara O’Brien, regional network leader
(RNL) for the Ovens and Murray Network,
likes to relax by catching up with
friends, pottering in the garden or
lazing by the pool with a good book.
1. What do you think makes a good principal
When I think of the really good principals I have had the privilege to work
with, they all seem to have a special charisma to engage and communicate
with people. They have a real passion for working with young people and
constantly strive to ensure their school provides the right opportunities for all
students. Good principals can create and articulate a vision for improvement
that instils confidence and loyalty in those they lead.
2. When you were a student who was your most
inspirational teacher
I’m showing my age because it was Mrs Naughton, my homeroom teacher
in Form 1. She was young and trendy and took a special interest in each of
us. She always made me feel confident in her classes and she made the work
interesting. I really think she is one of the reasons I became a teacher.
3. What are you reading at the moment
I have just spent two weeks travelling with my husband
and I found a book in the Kuala Lumpur Airport
called What’s Age Got to do With it by Robin McGraw
who boasts about turning 55 this year. It caught my
eye because since taking on the RNL role my regular
exercise regime has just gone out the window, so I
thought she might inspire me to get fit again … it
hasn’t happened! Dare I mention Instructional Rounds
in Education, which I think will provide the impetus to
network improvement.
4. What is your idea of the perfect weekend
About once a year we have a weekend away with our friends. We’ve been to
a few different places but my favourite is a fantastic house in the Yarra Valley
that very comfortably accommodates eight couples. We spend the weekend
eating, drinking and laughing. It’s hard work. Especially recovering!
5. What were you
doing prior to this
role
I was principal of
Grahamvale Primary School,
which has approximately 350
students and is situated on
the outskirts of Shepparton.
6. What do you love to eat
I enjoy eating Thai food but unfortunately I’m
not very good at cooking it. I also like pumpkin soup
with crusty white bread and a really good risotto.
7. What was your main motivation for becoming
an RNL
Throughout my career I have had colleagues who have encouraged me to
take the next step, and this was the case when considering the RNL role.
Secondly, I had actually been a member on one of the RNL panels and I was
in awe of the skills and knowledge that the applicants displayed; it was the
best professional learning I could have had.
8. What are some of the key projects you are
working on
I find our work very complex and I could fill a book with the many key
aspects of this work. At the moment a key project is developing effective
Professional Learning Teams in every school across the network where
the focus is on students and a culture of “challenge and defend, not share”
(Patrick Griffin). School retention is also a key piece of my work as we
must provide pathways for students to continue their education in the
post-compulsory years, and for small secondary schools this can be quite a
challenge.
9. What do you do to relax after work
At the moment we are doing a makeover of our backyard, so I guess it is
gardening, if ripping up old pavers and pulling out plants is relaxing. I enjoy
watching AFL footy and going to my daughter’s netball and, of course,
catching up with friends on a Saturday night and having a glass of wine.
In the summer, relaxing by our pool with a good book is my idea of true
relaxation.
10. What is your all-time favourite movie
I really love a good chick flick with lots of funny
one-liners; Bridget Jones’ Diary is an all-time
favourite of mine. I’m embarrassed saying this
but I also love Gone with the Wind. I have
watched it so many times and while there are
characters in it that drive me insane because
they are so insipid or self indulgent, I love the
story and I cry every time.