Culture grows over a period of time and it takes on greater meaning. School culture is a shared set of ideals, values, assumptions, beliefs and attitudes thal bind a school community together. These norms powerfully shape the experiences of the people in the school and become a shared vision under the leadership of an effective principal. Principals have a fundamental responsibility to ensure overall student achievement and motivation as wel! as teacher produetivity and satisfaction. It is through effective leadership and the modeling of values and beliefs important to education that principals are able to shape the culture within schools. After careful consideration of existing traditions, goals and ceremonies, principals work with staff and students to create a shared and collaborative vision that ensures school success.

Keywords: School culture, school principal, role.