Gavin Fraser to boost attendance, agency at Tennant Creek High School

An outback school’s new principal is planning to boost attendance and student agency. Here’s how.

Tennant Creek High School. Picture: Alex Treacy

Tennant Creek High School’s new principal says he will focus on attendance and student agency.

Gavin Fraser officially takes the helm of the school on Monday, when school returns for a pupil-free day.

“To [boost attendance], we need to create positive relationships with the students and provide a curriculum that’s engaging with pathways towards careers and pathways the students can actually see where they’re going,” Mr Fraser said.

“We need to be talking to the students and saying, “what do you want?” – there’s no point in putting on a VET course in building and construction if the students don’t want to do that, if they want to do something environment-wise.

“I think we need to be catering for the needs of the students to a large extent.”

The attendance rate at TCHS sat at 49 per cent last year, compared to 44 per cent in 2022.

Former Ngukurr School principal Gavin Fraser has taken the helm at Tennant Creek High School. Picture: Facebook / Ngukurr School

Mr Fraser has taken on a six-month stint at TCHS with plans to “see how things go”.

He introduced himself to the staff and teachers last week before the Territory’s school holidays kicked off.

“I’m really impressed with Tennant Creek, it’s a beautiful little spot,” he said.

“It’s a quiet little place and a very friendly, lovely community – so I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Mr Fraser was previously the principal of Ngukurr School and has worked in education across Victoria and London since the 2000s.

Remote NT school reveals new leader

April 5, initial: A new principal will take the helm of Tennant Creek High School.

Former Ngukurr School principal Gavin Fraser will take the top position at Tennant Creek High School for the next six months.

Mr Fraser previously held the role of principal at Ngukurr School.

In a letter circulated to the school’s community, Education Department Senior Director for the Barkly Region Ross McHutcheon said Mr Fraser led Ngukurr School for a “significant period of improvement and growth”.

“Mr Fraser will be joining (TCHS) at a time of exciting change and development,” Mr McHutcheon said.

But TCHS is set to continue advertising for a permanent principal during Mr Fraser’s stint.

It comes after the departure of Gavin Khan, who held the school’s top job for just over a year before he left in March.

In a letter Mr Khan sent to TCHS families, the former principal last month said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time with the school and town.

“I want to thank students, families, and community members and organisations for your support and kindness during my term at Tennant Creek High School,” he said.

An interim principal – sourced from the Education Department itself – held Mr Khan’s role for two weeks while the school recruited a new leader.

Originally published as Gavin Fraser to boost attendance, agency at Tennant Creek High School