Principals appointed for Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla schools
Nearly 5000 students are on the way to SA’s newest schools in Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla. Three new principals have been appointed to get them ready.
Education
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Three principals have been appointed to schools which have no students — but they’ll have plenty of work to do as they prepare for 2022.
The trio will take charge of the new schools now under construction in Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla.
“It’s a real opportunity to make sure we’re building the best school we can for those future students,” said Alison Colbeck, who will end her term as being principal of Willunga Primary to head the Aldinga B-12 school which will take up to 1675 students.
“The exciting part of the work is getting into the community now and finding those students now and thinking about what they want and need.
“A lot of thought has gone into the building, but it’s about now that we’ve got this amazing form how do we make that function so we can achieve a world-class education.”
In Whyalla, Tricia Richman will leave Edward John Eyre to get ready for the 2022 intake at the new high school.
“Ever since construction started there’s been a very positive vibe in town,” she said.
“Now I have to ensure the school is ready to open and function by January 2022.
“That’ll include working closely with the department on permanent teachers employed in Whyalla.”
Ms Richman who was born in Cowell has worked in Leigh Creek and moved to Whyalla in 2001.
Joe Priolo has been principal of Salisbury East, where he had been a student, for the past five years.
He will take the reins at Angle Vale B-12 which also will have 1675 students.
“We’re looking at 150 to 160 staff, so there’ll be a number of panels, recruitment, policy, procedures, uniform, naming — all things you take for granted when you come to an established school,” he said.
The principals will start their new roles at the beginning of August, working with a specialist team in the Education Department headquarters.
Education Minister John Gardner welcomed the appointments.
“Our nationwide search identified a number of quality candidates for these roles, but it was a combination of educational experience and proven leadership that made these three principals the outstanding candidates,” he said.
Salisbury East High School and Willunga Primary will have temporary principals appointed while David Marino will head Edward John Eyre High until the end of 2021.
Future use of the sites of Edward John Eyre and Whyalla High, which will both close, is yet to be decided. The Education Department will continue to maintain the sites.