NEW Wamoon Public School principal Matt Collins has been told he has “big shoes to fill”, but he’s keen to set his own path in the role.
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Mr Collins took over as relieving principal half way through this year after Chris George retired following almost 40 years in the top job.
After applying and interviewing for the role of principal, Mr Collins recently discovered he was the successful candidate.
A Leeton boy born and bred, Mr Collins had been teaching at Parkview Public School for 12 years, as well as the assistant principal in recent years.
He decided he wanted to push himself further in his career by extending his leadership skills, which led him to Wamoon Public.
“I’m enjoying the change of pace and working a lot closer with staff, students and the community,” Mr Collins said.
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“Also, I suppose embracing the challenge of coming somewhere new and introducing some changes and reforms.
“There were a lot of sort of comments of ‘big shoes to fill’, but I like to think I’m carving out my path.”
Mr Collins has set various goals for himself and the school.
He hoped to align the school more with 21st Century learning and providing more opportunities for the students across all areas.
“It’s all about making sure the kids achieve in this type of setting,” Mr Collins said.
“I think there is a very strong future for small schools like Wamoon.
“There is a really strong sense of community at small schools. Many parents who went to a small school then send their children to one because they know how great the environment is.
“We have many kids here who don’t live in the village, but attend school here.
“Our school has such a deep history.”
Mr Collins said earning the trust of the community was key in the first 10 weeks of his relieving tenure.
“I think I have earned that trust,” he said.
“You want to know there’s consistent people around at your child’s school.” Mr Collins is a teaching principal, which was another reason that drew him to the job.
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