The role of the principal in leading and supporting cultural activities in the school

Abstract

This research determines how the principal leads and supports cultural activities in the school. The principal as a leader needs to give the subordinates some direction with regard to school activities. This is no easy task, as they have to attain objectives the school has set for itself. In this regard, the principal not only influences the subordinates in a particular direction, but also supports them. The principal must be able to delegate activities to various members of staff. Some of the activities that can be delegated are extracurricular activities. Cultural activities form part of the extracurricular activities in the school. In this way, tasks are satisfactorily distributed and shared by staff members. Without the principal’s support, staff members become de-motivated, and do not work towards the school’s objectives. Most teachers have the potential to lead in a school, but they need opportunities to nurture their interests and talents. With a distributed leadership style, principals will have a role to play in leading and supporting cultural activities in their schools. It is evident that principals cannot do everything in the school alone; they need help of aspirant leaders who are willing to lead in other school activities like cultural activities. The significance of the study lies in outlining the need for principals to transform their leadership roles by offering support to teacher leaders. Principals must be transformative in the way they run their schools. Ordinary teachers in the school can become teacher leaders if supported by the principal in planning and organising cultural activities. Through distributed leadership, teacher leaders will be encouraged to guide learners into engaging in various cultural activities at school level.