COMMUNICATION UNDER PRESSURE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
Trusted by principal associations and school leaders throughout New Zealand.
Every school leader will eventually face situations they hope never happen.
- An angry parent
- A staff complaint or performance issue
- A crisis that threatens the school's reputation
- A reporter or 10 demanding an interview
- A community demanding answers after a serious incident
The challenge is knowing how to stay calm, credible and in control.
Why this workshop is different?
Most school leaders receive very little training in how to communicate when the stakes are high.
Yet every principal will eventually face difficult conversations, crisis situations or negative media attention.
Led by former Government Press Secretary and Education Reporter Pete Burdon, this workshop combines practical strategies from all three areas, helping leaders communicate with confidence when it matters most. Unlike many communication workshops, participants leave with practical frameworks they can apply immediately when conversations become difficult or media attention arrives.
WHAT ASSOCIATION LEADERS SAY
“Over the past two years, Pete has delivered workshops for SPPA members on mastering difficult conversations with parents and staff and crisis communication planning. Principals valued the practical tools, clear frameworks, and real-life examples that made the training easy to apply in their schools. The feedback was very positive, and many participants told us they had already put what they learnt into practice."
WENDY KITTO, SOUTHLAND PRIMARY PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION
"Pete Burdon's presentation on School Crisis Communication was exceptionally practical and well-received by our members at the Manawatū Principals' Association. His session provided clear, planning-focused strategies that empowered our school leaders to know exactly how to respond when attention is intense."
SIMON MARSHALL, MANAWATU PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION
"The organising committee received excellent feedback from the attendees who took part in your session. To the point, practical, timely and of course information and skills we hope we never have to use.
BRADLEY ROBERTS, MARLBOROUGH PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION
ABOUT PETE
Choose Your Programme
Communication Under Pressure Masterclass
Our most comprehensive programme, combining Mastering Difficult Conversations with Crisis Communication and Media Interviews.
Available As:
- Conference Presentation
- Principal Association Workshop
- Cluster or Individual School Workshop
Or Focus on One Communication Challenge
Mastering Difficult Conversations with Parents/Staff
Help school leaders and/or teachers confidently manage challenging conversations with parents and/or staff. Learn practical strategies to reduce conflict, de-escalate difficult situations and communicate with greater confidence..
Available As:
- Conference Presentation
- Principal Association Workshop
- Cluster
- Teacher Only Day
- Online Training
What To Do When Crisis Strikes
Prepare your leadership team to communicate confidently during a crisis and handle media attention when it matters most.
Includes practical crisis planning, holding statements, parent communication and media interview strategies.
Available As:
- Conference Presentation
- Principal Association Workshop
- Cluster
- Teacher-only Day
Investment
Whether you're looking for a conference presentation, school workshop, principal association event or online programme, there is usually a training option to suit your needs and budget.
Schools can also reduce costs by sharing workshops with neighbouring schools or through a local principal cluster.
Contact Pete at the below address to discuss the best option and pricing for your school, principal association or local cluster.
Enquiries
Pete Burdon
029 200 8555
Pete@MediaTrainingNZ.co.nz
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