Plans can now move forward for the merger between Griffith and Wade High Schools, after the Department of Education made the much-anticipated announcement of the new principal on Tuesday.
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Currently the principal of Byron Bay High School, Peter King is due to start in the role in Griffith on October 23, and will prepare the schools in readiness to operate as a new entity from 2019.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunities the innovative one school-two site model will provide for our 21st century learners," Mr King said.
"I am very keen to implement individualised learning pathways for all students to ensure their learning is stimulated and challenged."
According to a Department of Education Spokesperson, Mr King was hired through an open merit selection process.
Griffith Network director David Lamb said Mr King was a passionate educator who believed educational excellence was underpinned by dynamic and innovative teaching and learning programs.
“This is best exemplified at Byron Bay High School, which under his leadership for the past eight years has become one of the highest-performing public high schools on the North Coast,” Mr Lamb said.
“Mr King values students, staff and community partnerships and believes that shared decision-making processes underpin a school’s success,” Mr Lamb said.
Griffith organiser of the NSW Teachers Federation Brett Bertalli is excited to begin the new phase of school planning.
“We are aware of the new principal selection and we are looking forward to working with Mr King, especially looking forward to working with someone who enjoys a challenge,” Mr Bertalli said.
“The federation is under no illusions that it will be a challenging role with the new structure of the one school two sites, and we will be moving to make sure the school has the resources it requires to provide a quality education for the school students and the Griffith community.”
Moving forward
The Department of Education says Mr King will work collaboratively with the existing principals, executive, staff and community to design and implement a transitional plan and a school plan.
Throughout term 4, Mr King will familiarise himself with both existing schools their school systems and operations.
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He will help implement a program addressing teaching and learning outcomes, curriculum organisation, leadership and governance, student and staff well being.
“The current principals will retain their roles until the end of 2018 ... they will support school strategic planning and assist the new principal in the organisation and design of the new operational model,” the Department of Education’s spokesperson said.
The Department also said both principals were being supported through an individualised case management approach to assist them with their careers beyond 2018.