Colin Burke to helm new Craigieburn South Secondary School

The principal for Craigieburn South Secondary has revealed his plans for the school when it opens next year, promising to create “great academic opportunities for students”.

The new Craigieburn South Secondary School principal Colin Burke with Yuroke Ros Spence. Picture: Rob Leeson

The new Craigieburn South Secondary School to open in 2020 is a step closer with the appointment of principal Colin Burke.

The 39-year-old, who was earlier the senior campus principal at Mill Park Secondary College, said he too started his high school education at a new school.

“This particular community strikes me as being very aspirational,” Mr Burke said.

“They want … [the students to] have really good academic outcomes.

“That aligns with my values, and that’s what really attracted me to this position.”

The father-of-one, who is married to a primary school teacher, said he had spent his whole life in Mill Park and Bundoora.

In his 18th year in education, Mr Burke said his own experiences with teachers drew him to a career in teaching.

“I had outstanding teachers when I was a student at school and they developed a passion in me, mainly for literature, history (and) debating … as well as for education,” he said.

“They took an active interest in me as a student, they provoked my curiosity for learning. And they went above and beyond to support me and other students at the school.

“And that’s what I try to model as a teacher and as a leader and that’s what I’d be trying to bring to this school.”

Mr Burke said his goal was to make the school outstanding with “great academic opportunities for students” as well as extra-curricular activities.

He said a good principal was someone who had a vision, but was also willing to adapt.

“Someone that listens to the needs of their community, but also someone who has vision and can get their hands dirty to deliver that vision,” Mr Burke said.

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Yuroke State Labor MP Ros Spence said this was the next step for Craigieburn South Secondary School.

“Every student deserves access to the best facilities and the best teachers close to

home, and the new Craigieburn South Secondary School will deliver exactly that,” Ms Spence said.

“I congratulate Mr Burke on his appointment and wish him all the best in this new

role.”

Craigieburn South Secondary School will open in January.

For information about the school visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/schools/Pages/CraigieburnSouthSecondarySchool.aspx