New Goolwa school principal Rebecca Moore says local links will guide community vision
The educator who will head up Goolwa’s new high school says her local links will guide plans for the community.
Education
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The rich history and strong sense of community in Goolwa will be at the core of the south coast town’s new public high school, its new principal says.
“It’s a community which is really passionate about its people, its place and its history,” said principal Rebecca Moore.
“It’s a growing community too.
“My grandfather lived in Goolwa for many years.
“So Goolwa holds a special place in my heart, it’s such a beautiful town.”
Ms Moore has been working from Noarlunga as a consultant to leadership teams at schools in the southern greater metropolitan area.
She knows the Fleurieu well. She grew up in Seaford, went to Willunga High and now lives in the McLaren Vale district.
She was principal of Old Noarlunga Primary School and had her first teaching practical placement at Goolwa Primary School.
Education Minister John Gardner said Ms Moore had demonstrated exceptional leadership.
“Building on her past principal experience in the southern area, I am confident Ms Moore will do an outstanding job,” he said
Ms Moore has joined principals of the three other new public schools – Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla – in a special office in the Education Department.
“We’re all starting from scratch,” she said.
As well as assembling a team of teachers and staff, the principals will guide community engagement, branding, uniforms, and so on.
“They’re all things you take for granted usually,” she said.
A shortlist of three names for the school will be put up for community comment.
The Government bought the Goolwa site for just over $5m.
It was owned by Investigator College, an independent school, which closed its Goolwa campus last year and consolidated its 600 students at its Victor Harbor site.
The Government has allocated $10m to refurbish the school and appointed Greenway architects to lead the design.
“We need to ensure the physical structure of the school fits with the notion of it offering a world-class education,” Ms Moore said.
The school is scheduled to open in 2022 with an intake of Year 7s and 8s.
Ms Moore said various ramp up options were being explored – including Year 9s in the first intake.
The school will grow to offer Years 7 to 12.
Parents will be advised early next year about registering students for 2022.
