Principal's play a major role in defining the culture of a school. However, they do not do this exclusively. I believe that all the different members of a school (staff, students, parents and community) define and inspire the culture of a school. Having worked in one school where the parents and wider community did not value education and also in one in which the principal did not have the support of the staff, I know that whilst it is possible to limit collaboration it is not possible to eradicate it! Some members of a school community may oppose collaboration but this does not mean that others will...and it is after all from small things, that big things grow!
Anyway I guess what I am trying to say is that in my experience if you are passionate about what you are doing, you will (ultimately) inspire others to join you in your quest. Having a principal that supports you and who you support does make life easier - but if you don't have this at the school where you work it simply increases the challenge, which in turns increases the delight you feel over the smallest of successes. And success breeds success. One term's collaboration with one teacher may grow to another term's collaboration with one year group of teachers, to collaborating each year with all stages! To end with another saying - actions speak louder than words - sometimes it's best not to argue and confront but to get on with the job in a way that your are proud of and happy with and trust in the evidence that will result from your own good work and effort.
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