Build confidence in handling some of the most challenging aspects of school leadership in this practical, real-world session designed for new school leaders, those needing a refresher and aspiring school leaders. Led by experienced principal, Julie Calder and presented by Rachael Judge, a lawyer who advises schools in her practice. Be equipped with clear strategies to manage difficult parent interactions professionally while safeguarding student rights. Gain the knowledge and language to navigate sensitive situations, reduce risk and respond with clarity and confidence in line with your legal obligations.
Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CLD/CPD/PLD hour
Chair:
Julie Calder, Principal, Selwyn House School
3.30pm to 4.30pm Dealing with Difficult Parents and Student Rights
- Getting the process right: what “natural justice” looks like in practice
- Where disputes are arising: trends we’re seeing in schools
- What works: practical strategies to reduce risk and resolve issues early
Presented by Rachael Judge, Partner, Simpson Grierson; Employment and Education Law Specialist
Learning objectives:
-
Gain skills to manage difficult parent interactions while upholding student rights with confidence
Presenters
Julie Calder, Principal, Selwyn House SchoolJulie Calder is an experienced teacher, leader and principal with over 25 years of experience across state and independent school settings. After 25 years of teaching at Cashmere Primary School, she was appointed the Head of the Junior School at St Margarent’s College in 2015. In 2022, she was appointed Principal of Selwyn House School, an independent girls’ school that covers pre-school to year 8. Julie is passionate about ensuring learning is built around making positive, healthy connections, which are focused on collaboration in a safe and empathetic environment. Julie is committed to continuous professional development and lifelong learning. She has a Bachelor of Education and has furthered her development as an educational career professional with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with First Class Honours. Her continual desire to learn is evident in her personal mantra, “seek to understand.”
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Rachael Judge, Partner, Simpson Grierson
Rachael is a Partner in Simpson Grierson’s employment law group. Rachael advises and represents clients in all aspects of employment and education law, including both contentious and non-contentious matters. Rachael works closely with independent and state schools on matters such as terms of enrolment, student disciplinary issues, student human rights claims, school policies and the Children’s Act 2014. She also advises schools in relation to their employment agreements and staff disciplinary issues. Rachael regularly attends mediations and represents clients in Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and Human Rights Review Tribunal matters.
This seminar is part of a series
Education Law and School Governance Fundamentals Series
Build confidence in your leadership and navigate the legal realities of the principal role with clarity through this practical three-part Education Law and Governance Fundamentals series. Designed for new and aspiring principals, each focused one-hour webinar delivers essential, real-world guidance on managing difficult parent interactions while upholding student rights, addressing staff issues within an employment law framework, and working effectively with your board to meet governance obligations while achieving the best outcomes. Led by experienced principals and legal experts who advise schools and boards within their practice, this series equips you with the knowledge, language, and practical strategies you need to make sound decisions, reduce risk, and lead your school community with confidence.
Description
Attend the entire series and earn 3 CLP/CPD/PLD Hours
Legalwise Seminars Education Law Programmes are included in the Principal Development Plan list of Courses and Programmes on the Education Workforce website
View series listing
