Volume 1, Issue 1
The story of the observations of a trusted confidant of a school leader.
Greetings, esteemed Heads of School. My name is Rascal. I am a Shih Tzu of distinguished fur and refined tastes, and for the last thirteen years I have loyally served at the side (and often on the lap) of my master, a school director. From my vantage point—whether curled beneath his desk, or lending moral support on those endless Zoom calls—I’ve picked up a thing or two about the art of headship. Consider me your four-legged leadership consultant. I may not have opposable thumbs, but I do have perspective.
As the school year kicks off, let me share a few reflections—gleaned from years of wagging through the ups and downs of international school leadership.
1. Start with the Students in Mind
I noticed something: my master’s mood always brightened when he greeted students. Whether it was a kindergartner proudly showing off new shoes or a senior stressing about university applications, those early encounters set the tone for the day—and, more importantly, the year.
My advice? Before you get lost in budgets, board reports, and inbox avalanches, remember that the first impressions students have of you and the school shape the entire year. Kneel, look them in the eye, and wag your proverbial tail. They’ll feel seen, and you’ll be reminded of why you’re there.
2. Pause and Look Deeper
Dogs are masters of sniffing beyond the obvious. That barking at the fence? It’s not really about the squirrel—it’s about protecting the yard. I watched my master learn this lesson often: the issue presented by a parent, teacher, or board member was seldom the real issue.
As a head, when a concern arises, resist the urge to pounce immediately. Pause. Reflect. Consider what lies beneath—past experiences, cultural perspectives, unspoken anxieties. In international schools, context is as layered as a well-stocked treat jar. Take time to find the real source, and you’ll often solve more than just the presenting problem.
3. Build Relationships Everywhere
I’ll let you in on a secret: I never cared who had the fancy title or the corner office. I wagged for everyone, from the facilities team to the finance director. And you know what? They all responded with warmth and trust.
Schools, much like dog parks, run on relationships. Build them intentionally—within your leadership team, across departments, and with students and families. A strong circle of trust will carry you through the inevitable storms. When people know you care, they’ll follow you anywhere (even if you smell faintly of wet dog).
4. Take Care of Yourself
Even I know when to curl up for a nap. My master sometimes forgot. Heads of school are expected to be endlessly resilient, but resilience is not an infinite resource. It’s replenished by sleep, health, laughter, humility, and yes, the occasional long walk.
Demonstrate to your community that well-being matters—not just for them, but for you, too. Your students and staff will see in you a model of balance: strong yet humble, resilient yet human. Trust me, nothing undermines authority faster than a leader who looks like they desperately need a biscuit and a nap.
Closing Thoughts
So, as you stride (or stumble) into the new school year, remember: start with students, sniff beneath the surface, build your circle of trust, and guard your own well-being. If a little Shih Tzu can figure this out from the corner of an office rug, I’m confident you can, too.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see someone in the kitchen opening a packet of treats. Until next time—stay pawsitive.