Diana Drummond: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School’s new principal sets goals, teacher priorities

A north shore deputy principal has spoken of the challenges facing the state’s education system as she prepares to take the reins of one of the region’s top independent schools.

A north shore deputy principal has spoken of the challenges facing the state’s education system as she prepares to take the reins of one of the region’s top independent schools.

Diana Drummond has been announced as the new head of school of Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, replacing Andrew Hill who has held the position for the last 14 years.

Ms Drummond is currently a deputy principal of Wenona School, where she has worked since 2018, and has previously held leadership roles at MLC Burwood, St Catherine’s School and the International School Bangkok in Thailand.

Diana Drummond will begin the role in January next year.

She said her top priorities include continuing the school’s commitment to ensure students receive a well rounded education.

“Glenaeon is a school of choice for ‘thinking’ parents and I’ll be looking to build on the legacy of what’s there at the moment,” she said.

“It’s a school where excellence of education is central and the development of young people is formed through a focus on creativity, integrated learning experiences, and strong community connection.

Current head of school Andrew Hill.

“That's what attracted me to the school.”

Ms Drummond’s appointment comes amid a challenging period for the state’s education system – still grappling with staff shortages and burnout flowing on from two years of Covid-19 restrictions.

She said a focus of her role would include supporting teachers with wellbeing and learning strategies to cope with the demands of the job, as well as ensuring they strike a work life balance.

A photo of the school.

“It’s absolutely a challenge of the next five years – it’s not only about attracting staff but also retention – the key to that is nurturing the expertise of teachers through ongoing learning and honouring what they bring to the classroom every day,” she said.

“It’s also about putting in some boundaries about what is expected from teachers – they could be working 18 hours a day and still not get everything done because the demand’s are so great

“That’s why setting boundaries is so important and saying it’s okay to leave for home at a decent hour.”

The school has been located on the north shore since the 1950s.

Despite the challenges of the job, Ms Drummond said teaching was still a rewarding career.

“When I left school I enrolled in sports physio and did a gap year in England where I worked in a prep school and had a chance to run a classroom for four weeks and from then on in I was hooked,” she said.

“I have a real love of learning, inspiring students and supporting them to achieve their best.”

Glenaeon School – which was the first Steiner school built in Australia – and offers student programs that include active wilderness programs and classes where students explore “big ideas”.

Ms Drummond believes the school’s model of education has become more sought-after in the post-Covid environment

“The students receive both a well-rounded education based on a holistic Steiner philosophy. It’s what I would describe as the best of both worlds,” she said.

“The sense of connection within communities has become even more important and valued in the last two years.

“At the end of the day, the big lesson is we want to help develop young people who have the ability to connect wholeheartedly with the big issues and focus on deep learning because they are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Ms Drummond will commence the role in January next year. Mr Hill will work with Ms Drummond to facilitate a smooth transition into 2023.