The Principals’ Development Planning Centre (PDPC)

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What is the PDPC?

The Principals’ Development Planning Centre (PDPC) is a professional development initiative for principals of New Zealand schools with three or more years’ experience.

The five-day programme offers a valuable opportunity for principals to evaluate their current leadership skills and develop a plan for their ongoing leadership improvement.

While at the centre, participating principals:

• experience a range of activities and exercises that imitate real-life situations they face in a leadership role
• have the opportunity to reflect and evaluate their current leadership practices in a safe and supportive environment
• receive intensive one-on-one support from a facilitator who, where possible, is matched to their circumstances
• work through a ‘strengths and needs’ analysis as part of building a professional development plan
• have the opportunity to build supportive relationships with other participating principals.

Download a flyer about PDPC (PDF 320KB)

Download a booklet about PDPC (PDF 405KB)

Download a PowerPoint presentation about PDPC (PPT 104KB) that you can use with your Board of Trustees.

Download PDPC dates for 2008 (Excel 19KB)

How are participants chosen?

The selection process for a particular centre is based on principals’ experience, the kind and size of school, and their availability. The availability of the facilitators to match principals from a range of schools is also a factor.

How are facilitators selected?

Facilitators for the PDPC are chosen from principals and former principals. In selecting individuals we look for people who:

• have been involved in a development centre, either as a participant or facilitator
• show knowledge of current leadership theory and practice
• possess critical observation skills and the ability to be objective
• are experienced in mentoring and providing feedback and development advice.

How do I register?

You can download a PDPC registration form (Word 227KB). Please use these PDPC dates for 2008 (Excel 19KB) when completing the ‘availability’ section of your application form. Centres often do book up well in advance. For further information about the PDPC, please email lauren.overend@minedu.govt.nz or telephone 04 381 4074.