“IT'S FRIDAY AND I KNOW IT!” OBSERVATIONS OF A PRINCIPAL AT WORK

The study of Malcolm Tims, principal at Boobook Primary School, is one example of the descriptive case studies written for ten primary school principals in one N.S.W. Inspectorate. The Stephens Tissue Perfusion Monitor was used as a physiological device to monitor the levels of stress. A plethysmograph worn by the principal and connected to a small transmitter relayed signals to a receiver connected to the Tissue Perfusion Monitor. As stress levels increased, the amount of blood flowing to the tissues decreased and this was shown on the meter and numerically represented as the Tissue Perfusion Index (TPI). As stress levels decreased the TPI levels rose. Each principal was observed for several days and detailed notes were made of the various factors that caused the stress levels to vary. Changes of staff, conflicting values, attitudes and behaviours in teachers and executive staff, staff meetings and poor performance of ancillary staff were common stressors. Recalcitrant pupils, dissatisfied parents, and dealings with other officials, curriculum and policy changes, problems with school buildings and equipment (including break‐and‐enters), work overload and time pressures were also significant stressors. Principals' days seemed to be characterised by a large number of “hassles” and “uplifts”, with intervening periods of either heavy of severe stress or periods of relative calm. Stress levels were found to decrease when positive and beneficial events occurred. The study was able to determine 14 categories of such “uplifts”. Positive support, a “challenge” mentality, confidence, a higher locus of control, as well as individual application of techniques for relaxation, appeared to assist principals in lowering stress levels.