ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how implemented Systems Leadership in order to improve the way that schools were organised and operated and in turn improve student outcomes. Understanding the context is an important first step in planning significant work. Good leaders do this as a matter of course, especially when they begin in a new role or consider a major change. A principal who is new to a school will often spend a term or semester understanding the context before embarking on new projects or significant work. The support of principals is critical to the success of large-scale improvement because of their key role in leading school communities. The Far North Queensland [FNQ] region has a shared vision which gives clear direction and alignment of purpose. The senior leaders in the region had developed a shared understanding of the context of education in Far North Queensland and a vision of what education should be like.
