Rob Pople‘s new appointment as principal at Araluen Christian College

An Alice Springs school has formally welcomed a new principal on board. Read his vision for the college and the role he hopes to play in the community.

Rob Pople has been appointed principal of Araluen Christian College. Picture: Supplied

After almost 20 years of working in faith-based education, Rob Pople is stepping into his first official stint as principal at Araluen Christian College.

Mr Pople said values-based learning helped children become “proactive contributors to their community” after graduating, regardless of their faith.

“They can offer hope to the world and that that’s what ties into our mission and our vision as a school,” he said.

“I’m really excited to be able to champion that, to champion the great things that our teachers are doing in their classrooms, and the good learning outcomes that are coming from that.”

Rob Pople has been appointed principal of Araluen Christian College. Picture: Supplied

The long-time educator has worked across schools in Tasmania and the NT, most recently as Palmerston Christian College’s wellbeing coordinator and impact coach.

Mr Pople joined ACC at the start of the year as the school’s interim principal and has now been formally appointed to the role.

During his first six months in the role, Mr Pople focused on nurturing the school’s community relationships and building up student wellbeing.

“Studies point to the fact that where student wellbeing is a priority, learning outcomes are much higher,” he said.

“If students feel emotionally settled and they’re getting the supports that they need as they navigate the difficulties in life – some of those outside of school – then they are set up for success to achieve in the classroom.”

Going forward, he hopes to continue strengthening partnerships with local churches and programs such as CDU children’s university.

Mr Pople said he believed ACC had a role to play in the “conversations about engaging youth” and “what’s happening in the broader Alice Springs community”.

He said creating a safe space in schools would go a long way towards addressing the root causes of youth crime.

“That’s our first priority – that it’s a safe place, not just not just physically but also emotionally,” Mr Pople said.

“I think in Alice Springs at the moment, there’s some really good opportunities and conversations happening in that space.

“Schools partnering together cross-sectorally I think is really important – so government schools and non-government schools and accessing quality programs that we can open up to the community and equip parents and others.”