Heritage School principal spends day as a Year 9 student

SCHOOL principal Matt Cohen recently traded answering emails and completing paperwork in his office for answering questions and taking notes in the classroom.

The Heritage Christian School hosted a Student Shadow day, which is an initiative that encourages school leaders around the globe to experience a school day from the perspective of a student.

Mr Cohen accompanied year nine student Eli Barber. This meant he had to attend each class on the timetable, follow high teacher expectations, and even participate in a game of basketball at lunch break.

Academically, Mr Cohen began the day worried about maths class and whether he could remember the mathematics he learnt 30 years ago. He shared similar concerns to the real students, which helped him to appreciate the realities the children navigate each day.

Mr Cohen asked himself, “would the other students be friendly? Would I have someone to talk to at lunch? Would I get detention for wearing the wrong shoes?”

The principal said that these kinds of questions helped shape Student Shadow Day into a lesson in empathy.

Mr Cohen’s day as a student occurred from the morning bell to home-time bell – meaning he was able to experience the rhythm of a full school day, from social to spiritual elements.

“The true joy of the day was simply spending time with the students and observing the mutual dedication and warmth they share with their teachers,”  Mr Cohen said.

“In a world where so many social structures have fractured, the teacher-student relationship remains a vital space where passionate adults invest in aspiring young people.”

“I think it gave him a better understanding of school from our perspective,” Year 9 student Eli Barber said.

“It was fun showing him around, although I was pretty happy when I beat him on the basketball court.”

Overall, the experience emphasised to school leaders the significance of relationships, wellbeing and student-centred learning.

By Shalise LEESFIELD