99 98 HR Mag. Irene Ille Principal BG/BRG Purkersdorf “PILGRIM SCHOOL“ = “NETWORKING IN PRACTICE“ from a principal’s standpoint 16 years of BG/BRG Purkersdorf as a Pilgrim school – Why? What were the benefits, and for whom? Is it worth continuing on this path? What is needed for that? As a principal, you should and ought to be asking these questions all the time; not just when it is demanded “from above” in terms of quality assurance or when there is a threat of a student shortage. I fully support our “Pilgrim path”! What is vital is to find a person among the teaching staff who is motivated, dedicated, valued by colleagues, and fully commits to its contents. Pilgrim cannot be prescribed, it must mature and grow, and it means additional work! If the start has been a successful one, Pilgrim unfolds within the school, within the school partnership (teachers, students, and parents), and extends to other schools, institutions, all the way up to international cooperation models. This aspect alone makes it worthwhile, as it pinpoints several quality characteristics of a good school: > Public relations > Internationalisation and associated professionalisation > Cross-disciplinary working > Project-oriented teaching sequences > Promotes more global thinking and action > Promotes social and language skills > Dialogue, communication and problem-solving with a clear practical focus > Takes up diverse issues of society and seeks common, meaningful solutions, such as sustainability, ways of cooperation in the religious realm, in matters of racism, migration and integration, examination and deepening of environmental issues, ecological and economic impacts, etc. Pilgrim doesn’t seek problems, but recognises and addresses them and actively tries to find and implement positive aspects based on very concrete, practical examples. Not just talking about it, but acting with good judgement, is what fascinates me about all the Pilgrim topics and projects I’ve been able to support so far. To me, the incidental and natural networking at all levels is another characteristic feature. I would like to mention some other school development projects here as examples, which are complemented, expanded and enriched by our “Pilgrim idea”: Umweltzeichenschule (eco-label schools), Digitale Schule (digital schools), EU Ambassador Schools, Erasmus+ accredited schools, ecological schools (ÖKOLOG), emphasis on arts and culture > Our Pilgrim idea finds resonance and inspires everywhere. That’s what makes it special for me. “Pilgrim” fits always and everywhere! Now that we’ve come full circle, my initial questions can be answered unambiguously: > Why? Because it makes sense! > What benefits does it bring to whom? Enrichment, to everyone taking part! > Is it worth continuing? Yes, even if it requires additional effort. Pilgrim also trains perseverance. > What is needed? People who support is and for whom it is a heartfelt concern. I have learnt a lot through Pilgrim, both for our school and for me personally. I would like to thank everyone who has “walked the Pilgrim path” so far and hope for many more “fellow pilgrims” from different institutions and nations. HR Mag. Irene Ille / Principal Images © Andi Bruckner 1. Comments from School Principals
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