Tamborine Mountain State School principal Jason Smith leaving to take up new role at Arundel

An award-winning school is losing its ‘rock star’ principal. But its loss will be another major Gold Coast school’s gain.

A GOLD Coast school is bidding goodbye to their rock-star principal after eight years.

Principal Jason Smith will be leaving his “second home”, Tamborine Mountain State School, to take on an acting principal role at Arundel State School.

He will begin the new role on Monday after a short transition period working between the two.

Mr Smith, known for his love of costumes and fun-loving approach to education, had helped Tamborine scoop the title of ‘Primary School Of The Year’ at the prestigious National Educator Awards in 2018.

Tamborine Mountain State School Principal Jason Smith celebrates with students after the school was named Primary School of the Year. Picture: Mike Batterham.

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The principal was also this month named as one of only six national finalists nominated for the ‘Primary School principal of the year (government)’, to be announced next month.

He said the move was “bitter sweet”.

“I am modelling myself on the kids, and challenging myself,” Mr Smith told the Bulletin.

“I saw the role was advertised and was lucky enough to be approached. After consideration, and knowing the great work that was already being done at Arundel which is twice the size of Tamborine, I thought it would be a good challenge.

Tamborine Mountain State School Principal Jason Smith is leaving to take up a new position at Arundel State School. Picture: Mike Batterham.

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“The goodbyes are overwhelming. I said to the kids leaving was like moving from home – a little bit of excitement and nervous energy and a fear for the unknown.

“I want to go into Arundel with respect for what was happening in the past, build relationships, and see where I can value add.”

Despite the new job Mr Smith said he was still likely to see his old pupils regularly as he doesn’t plan to move from his hinterland home.

“I love living in Tamborine, I love the lifestyle up here, the community, the gentility of it,” he said.