Ms McAlister gives sister a go

Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus principal Ms Pam McAlister stood aside on August 4 to allow her sister to be "Principal for a Day".

Ms McAlister's sister is Australian Industry Group CEO Ms Heather Ridout

Ms Ridout is a member of a number of important national policy groups including Skills Australia and Infrastructure Australia and was a member of the Henry Tax Review Panel.

Ms Ridout experienced first-hand what it would be like to run the college's Woy Woy campus through the Education Week program.

The Principal for a Day program gives community and business leaders a chance to spend the day 'shadowing' a NSW government school principal.

Ms Ridout was able to get a behind-the-scenes view of the rewards and challenges of school life.

As well as meeting parents, liaising with staff and leading classes, the "virtual principals" participate in the many and varied tasks their real life counterparts handle every workday.

Ms McAlister said the school was delighted to welcome Ms Ridout for the day.

"Heather is widely respected business leader and a strong advocate for improving our education and training system at the national level," Ms McAlister said.

"I know our students were excited at the prospect of hearing Heather speak about her career and the lessons learned along the way."

Press release, 3 Aug 2010 Pam McAlister, BWSC Woy Woy