Principal Accompaniment in Australian Faith-Based Schools: A Salutogenesis Approach

Area of Science:

• Educational Leadership
• Occupational Psychology
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Principal well-being is crucial for school effectiveness.
• Existing support programs may not adequately address the holistic needs of educational leaders.
• Salutogenesis offers a framework for promoting health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot accompaniment program for experienced Australian Catholic principals.
• To assess the program's impact on professional well-being and leadership agency.
• To explore the principles and processes of salutogenesis-informed accompaniment.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study involving 12 Australian Catholic principals.
• Data collection over 12 months across three stages using online surveys.
• Focus on participant orientation, program principles, mission alignment, leadership agency, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Principals reported a positive orientation and improved professional well-being.
• The program was perceived as comprehensive and manageable to implement.
• Positive feedback on the wholistic nature of accompaniment linking body, mind, and spirit.

Conclusions:

• The salutogenesis-based accompaniment program effectively sustains principal professional well-being.
• Conversational processes within the program foster transformative effects on practice.
• The program's design elements contribute to a holistic approach to leadership support.