Principal leads revival of La Perouse Public School
JUST a few years ago the vultures were circling La Perouse Public School with rumours of imminent closure. But the future is now looking bright — thanks in a large part to principal Matthew Jackman
Southern Courier
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southern Courier. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JUST a few years ago the vultures were circling La Perouse Public School with rumours of imminent closure.
The 400 capacity school had just 24 pupils on the books and its reputation was at an all time low.
Fast forward to 2018 and something special is happening at the Yarra Rd school.
Around sixty students are expected next year, the school is looking smart and educational attainment is on the up.
As with any good school it is down to the staff — and in particular principal Matthew Jackman.
“I love my school and I’m really proud of where we are going,” he said.
He hasn’t always been in education. He served in the Navy up until his late twenties but retrained when he realised how much he enjoyed his own kids’ company.
He arrived at La Perouse in October 2016 and immediately got to work.
“There is so much potential here, the grounds are huge but were not in a good way when I arrived.”
His first decision was to splash out on a sit-on mower. But he soon realised he couldn’t hack through the ever expanding lantana. His solution: to call up Long Bay Jail and see if some of the inmates wanted a few hours work.
“I could never have done it myself so I contacted Long Bay and they had a community relations program with guys coming towards the end of their time.
“It was at the weekend and they were fully supervised. They did a fantastic job.”
Mr Jackman isn’t afraid to look outside the school for help.
They have a relationship with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Go Foundation (Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin’s charity) and NSW Police to name a few.
“You’ve got to get out there and approach these people. If you don’t ask you don’t get. I’ve found there is a lot of good will out there towards the school.
“It is also about getting out there and connecting with the community. As a principal you need to know your community.
“I try to go to as many community events as possible. The first couple of times perhaps nobody will speak to you. But if you keep going back you will eventually break down those barriers.”
The school is proud of its high percentage of Aboriginal kids (currently around 75%) and engaging the community is key to building relationships.
But the most important relationship is with the kids.
“Happy kids learn best,” Mr Jackman said. “I want them to enjoy school and have a good time.
“I’ve always thought of myself as a left field laid back sort of teacher and that seems to work.
“A teacher is quite often a performer — and you can’t be afraid of looking stupid.”
Since his arrival the school has made giant strides forward. On the day the Courier visited, staff and pupils were preparing for an inter-school sports competition which they haven’t participated in for years.
But where does Mr Jackman see the school in ten years.
“My aim is for every primary age child in our catchment area to come to the school. That would be around 400 children. That’s the aim.”
To inquire about enrolling next year call 93112210.