Almost 70 business leaders will be digging out their old school ties to go back to school and shadow a Manukau school principal during a typical school day on Wednesday 26th August 2009.

The City of Manukau Education Trust (COMET) matches business leaders with principals in primary and secondary schools in Manukau strengthening understanding and forging closer ties between the business community and the education sector

"There are a lot of similarities between leading a school and leading a business," says Bill Gavin, Chair of COMET. "This programme is an excellent opportunity to increase understanding between the two groups of senior managers from education and business."

"Anything can happen at school, but typically business leaders can expect to participate in some of the following activities: assembly, classroom visits, meetings with parents, staff or board members; generally getting a feel for life in the classroom from a teacher's perspective and the challenges facing principals," says Bill.

At the end of the day, principals and business leaders will meet at the Council's Civic Centre in Manukau City for a reception hosted by Manukau City Mayor, Len Brown.

Some of the business leaders going back to school are listed below. A full list is available on request. Dame Margaret Bazley, Chair, NZ Fire Service Rick Ede, CEO, Unitec Len Brown, Mayor, Manukau City Council David Graham, CEO, Brookfields Lawyers Jens Madsen, CEO, Ports of Auckland Geraint Martin, CEO, Counties Manukau DHB Derek McCormack, Vice Chancellor, AUT Diane Robertson, CEO, Auckland City Mission Russell Stanners, CEO, Vodafone NZ Vanda Vitali, CEO, Auckland Museum