From July 15 – 26 Wombat Public School principal Angela Bennett will be sharing her expertise, knowledge and know how with Susan Bouwer a principal at a school from Ontario, Canada.

In a coup for the small school Ms Bennett is taking part in a professional shadowing program that aims to ensure innovative classroom practice from around the world can be shared and adapted for Australian schools.

Ms Bouwer will be hosted by Ms Bennett at Wombat before both principals head to the warmer northern hemisphere.

Ms Bennett will spend time in Canada to complete the second half of the exchange at Ms Bouwer’s school in Ontario.

Ms Bennett is looking forward to the collegial benefits of sharing her small school in the Young region with another principal from across the globe.

She said the program, run by Leading Educators Around the Planet Pty Ltd (LEAP), pairs principals and other school executives in Australia, North America and the British Isles.

“It’s a unique opportunity to have an experienced but fresh pair of eyes looking at how your school operates, and to be able to reciprocate during your return visit,” Ms Bennett said.

“Principals today aren’t just education leaders – they have to manage personnel, administer finance and facilities, ensure Work Health and Safety practices comply, lead the communication with their communities, and perform many other tasks.

“An expert from outside the school’s daily routine, but who has faced similar challenges themselves, is an invaluable feedback source – they can really help you stand back from the day to day tasks and see the bigger picture, something that’s hugely beneficial personally, for the school, and for the school community,” Ms Bennett said.

The principals, deputy principals and other school executives taking part fund their own participation in the two-week visits.