The culture of a school is created by everyone in the school. Walk in a school and for instance, see how the front office staff talks and interacts, or how the staff/teachers in the hallway engage with students. These daily interactions are the essence of a school’s culture. Yes, the admin influences it, but everyone is ultimately responsible for a positive school culture.

I have been thinking a great deal about school culture this week. Culture is something that is brought up a great deal in business, sports teams, and schools. School culture refers to the shared purpose, social behaviors, values, beliefs, traditions, and interactions that define how things are done within an educational institution. For example  regular community gatherings and emphasis on student collaboration foster a sense of unity and trust. According to Schein (2004), school culture traces back to a school’s history, people, relationships, symbols, and identity. School culture is what is seen, the way the community behaves, and language that is used.

A school leader plays a critical role in setting and maintaining a school’s culture. Effective school leaders have robust values and beliefs about the type of organizational culture required to achieve their school’s goals, and they can articulate their expectations around norms, accountability, and compliance. The state of the school grounds, the feel, tone, how students wear their uniforms, and how often you, as a teacher or administrator, greet parents and tamariki each morning are essential factors that affect the perception of a school’s culture.

Parents who are choosing a school for their tamariki and rangatahi must observe the school in action. Are you a parent looking for a school? That is why an Open Day is so important. You need to assess the culture by observing student-teacher interactions, student-student interactions, and how the school environment makes them feel they belong. This belonging affects the results, retention rates, and overall success of teachers and students.

It can be challenging to change the culture of a school, but with great effort and a strong vision, it can be done. It’s crucial to maintain a sense of positivity, even in the face of naysayers and skeptics. By keeping your focus on the big picture and the long-term results, I believe that you, as part of your school community, can inspire the necessary changes that will create a thriving and dynamic learning environment for all involved.

Culture change can be the most challenging part of transforming a school, and it requires careful planning, engagement, and participation from the school community. For example, involving teachers, parents, and students in the decision-making process can foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the new culture. To effect change, it is essential not only to mandate changes but also to model the change that you want to see. It is something that must be done carefully. There also has to be a “Why?”

Amongst this has been the complexity that is COVID. The COVID pandemic had a significant impact on school culture worldwide. Schools around Aotearoa had to adapt to new safety protocols and learning methods in order to keep their students safe and continue providing education. This included innovative practices like outdoor classrooms and blended learning.

One of the most noticeable changes was the shift towards remote learning as schools were forced to close their doors to prevent the spread of the virus. Many students and teachers had to quickly adjust to the use of digital technologies and virtual classrooms. This shift also brought about new challenges in terms of student engagement and internet accessibility. The adaptation of remote learning platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom became integral parts of this transition. Overall school culture as schools had redefined who they were as people became disconnected.

The pandemic has caused changes in the way schools functioned before. Classroom routines have changed with additional physical distancing measures and mask-wearing. Several extra-curricular activities, such as sports events, cultural events, and inter-school competitions were canceled. The absenteeism that followed was also significant.

The pandemic has also created a greater emphasis on mental health support services for students and teachers, given the social and emotional consequences of the pandemic. Despite the challenges, it is remarkable how quickly many schools have adapted to these changes and continued providing quality education to students.

I hope this has helped you to take time and reflect on school culture. Below are some readings I found really useful.  What is your school culture like? Does it match the vision of who your community is? Happy to have a korero. Have a great week.

Schein, E. H. (2004). Organizational culture and leadership.

Deal, T. E., & Peterson, K. D. (2019). Shaping school culture: The heart of leadership.

Fullan, M. (2016). The principals: Three keys to maximizing impact.

Marzano, R. J. (2016). School climate and culture matters: A meta-analysis.

Louis, K. S., & Leithwood, K. (2018). Understanding school-level factors affecting student outcomes: The role of principal leadership.