PROF LENN CAIRNS AND SIP

Date: 24 October 2007                          

Time : 9.00 am until  1.00 pm.

Lecture topic: Strategic Implementation Plan

Lecturer:  Assoc Prof Lenn Cairns

We were very happy to see Prof Lenn Cairns in the the class again, early in the morning. He was the one who welcomed us during the first meeting after our arrival.  He is very smart in appearance, looks very approachable, and always happy looking guy. After getting to know if we have any problem with our accommodation and internet access, he starts to discuss the topic about strategic implementation plan, which is according to him, very important to school  principals in managing the organization. 

Associate Prof Lenn Cairns before the class

 He starts by giving a general overview about strategic implementation plan (SIP), that has to be design in schools. As we know, SIP should be implemented in school, that consist of elements such as, vision, mission, and targets. He brings out some examples to prove  the importance of SIP, in  conjunction with some excellent schools in Victoria. The examples given show that some schools really excel in all aspects, when the SIP  is carefully put into consideration. And this, has a very strong connection with the school heads.

Similarly we had a very good discussion about SIP that have been practice in Malaysia. And we have our own way of writing  SIP every year. Thus it has been implemented, and it is nothing new to us about SIP anymore. As the school heads, putting up SIP could be a very good track and practice, for the goal achievements of  the schools.     

So when Lenn suggests to us the way of writing  SIP using SWOT analysis with three important elements that is, student learning, student pathway and student's engagement well-beings, we are very clear of what we are suppose to present next. Looking at the aspect of student learning he want us to emphasis on actions going to taken base on goal, targets, and implementation strategies for the students

The second aspect should be taken care of is  student pathways – We are suppose to figure out the necessities  in making student’s progress programs by looking at students transitional period after they left schools. In order to make the program beneficial to the students he wants us to take into consideration, the parent’s and staff opinions too, as this will help to ensure the validity of the programs.

Lastly, we should also consider the student's engagement well-beings, during pre-school time and early childhood education in relation with family and kindergarten, when writing SIP. This will ensure the SIP that we prepare, will give the best benefit to performance and potential development of the students.

As a summary,  We can add on a general knowledge to our strategic planning that we have already design in our school. One thing that is very interesting to look upon is looking at the student's pathways and transition which I think  we don’t really focused in our SIP. This SIP should be written by all participants and must be presented in February at IAB after we finish the course, as part of the assessment for PGCE in Monash Uni . 

After Lenns Lecture