New principals to lead the way

News bulletin: 20 August 2009

Five principals have been appointed to lead Victoria’s new public-private partnership schools, opening next year.

These five schools and their new principals are the first of 11 to be established under the Partnerships Victoria in Schools Project.

The new schools will complement, not replace, existing schools and the Victorian government will retain responsibility for teaching and school curriculum while Axiom Education Victoria design, build, finance, and maintain these public schools for the next 26 years.

The principals for the new public-private schools, have all worked in education for many years and have been picked for their education achievements and dedication to learning.

Cheryl Irving takes on her new role as principal of Cranbourne North East Primary School with 20 years experience in education under her belt. Cheryl, who has worked as a principal at primary and junior-college levels sees the new public-private partnership as an exciting opportunity to focus on education without the responsibilities of school maintenance.

Teresa Stone, currently principal of Sunshine Primary School, will bring to her new appointment 22 years of education experience. As principal of Derrimut Primary School, Teresa plans to work closely with parents and the community to achieve high standards of learning.

Danielle Stella, currently the principal of Greensborough Primary School, is ready to take on her new appointment as principal of Taylors Hill Primary School and to develop a progressive approach to learning and education.

Ian McKenzie is the current principal of Casey Central Secondary College, which will next year move to its new site. With the move, Ian will continue his work in building a student-centred school based on personalised and individualised learning.

Michael Hayes has been principal of Point Cook Primary School since 1994 and will continue as principal when it becomes Point Cook North P-9 School in 2010. Michael lists his proudest achievement as leading the school from 43 students to the current 360, and is looking forward to its future growth following the move.

The six remaining schools will open in 2011, these are: Cranbourne East P-12 School, Lyndhurst Primary School, Craigieburn West Primary School, Mernda Central Primary School, Kororoit Creek Primary School, and Truganina South Primary School.

For more information on the new partnerships, see: Partnerships Victoria in Schools