New principal Paul Nyhuis’ ‘world-class’ vision for The Essington School

The Essington School’s new principal has a ‘world-class’ vision for the Rapid Creek school. Here’s what’s on his agenda.

Generic picture Essington School, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Essington’s new principal hit the ground running in term one and is ready to take the top performing school to new heights when students return to class.

Paul Nyhuis’s arrival coincides with the school’s new determination to deliver a “world-class” education to the Territory’s students.

“We’ve had some leadership changes in recent years – I think one of the strengths of being a Territorian is that I’m here, I’m committed, I’m invested in the Territory and in education for young people, so I’m here to stay,” he said.

“We enjoy a very relaxed, casual lifestyle in the Territory [but] I don’t want that to compromise our standards of education.

“I believe that all of our young people in the Northern Territory deserve the very best that we can offer in education.”

The Essington School's new principal Paul Nyhuis hopes to deliver a world-class education and environment. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Nyhuis’ vision stems from three key components: educational excellence, innovation, and culture.

He said those elements would help Essington solidify it’s position as a school of choice and allow it to compete with school’s across the world.

“We are very much focused on academic excellence, but that’s one piece,” he said.

“We want to complement that with sport, music, languages, the arts and all those other things that make for really amazing well rounded young people.

“That includes the vocational education space as well because that’s not necessarily academic excellence, but it’s a pathway to excellence.”

The Essington School students Athanasia Papandonakis, Gabriella Tsougranis, Tyson Crosley, Nicole Evans, Tian (Audrey) Ming, Charlotte Hatton, and Hunter Roomes are excited to move to the Rapid Creek campus. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Mr Nyhuis has worked in education for about 30 years and worked across the Territory’s government and no-government schools, as well as in an executive role within the Department itself.

He also completed a Masters of Education at Washington State and worked in the US for a time.

Combining corporate and school-based experience, Mr Nyhuis said he brings a unique perspective to school and system improvement.

“Given those broader experiences locally, nationally and internationally, I really am trying to bring a real worldview to education and some strength around the standards and expectations that I expect for all of our schools,” he said.