One of the top-performing high schools in the country will get a new principal, almost a year after it lost its No.1 spot on the HSC league tables.
North Sydney Boys deputy principal Matthew Dopierala will take up the principal position at rival selective school James Ruse Agricultural High School, which last year ended its 27-year reign as the best-ranked school.
James Ruse Agricultural High was No.1 in the HSC league tables for 27 years, but lost the top spot in 2023.Credit: Fairfax Media
Students and teachers at both schools were told the leadership news in a co-ordinated announcement at 9am on Wednesday.
“Mr Dopierala has served the North Sydney Boys High School community as deputy principal for many years and made an enormous contribution,” principal Brian Ferguson said.
Prestigious selective school principalships have been somewhat of a game of musical chairs recently: current James Ruse principal Rachel Powell will take over at Sydney Girls after its outgoing head, Andrea Connell, retired after more than a decade leading the school. North Sydney Boys principal Robyn Hughes retired at the end of 2022 and was replaced by Ferguson, who had previously been at Penrith Selective High School.
Powell has previously said her legacy at James Ruse included expanding the co-curricular program, tour programs and parent open days.
Outgoing James Ruse High School principal Rachel Powell is leaving at the end of the year to go to Sydney Girls High.Credit: James Brickwood
The Department of Education declined the Herald’s request on Wednesday to interview Dopierala about his background and plans for leading the school, which analysts describe as a flagship for public education in NSW.
Former James Ruse students take a keen interest and pride in their alma mater. By 3pm on Wednesday, its detailed Wikipedia page had already been updated with Dopierala’s name as the ninth principal.
Former James Ruse student Bob Chen, who graduated in 2019, said it had been difficult for students to see the school lose its No.1 spot last year.
“I was a bit disappointed – there is always a bit of pride. A lot of people were a bit shocked,” he said.
Considering the school’s future, Chen said making sure students were stretched academically was one of the most important elements for James Ruse.
“I think for selective school students, they’re often much brighter and they have different needs,” he said.
“Leadership is always important because it drives the general direction. But I think the magic of James Ruse comes down to the students and their determination, and their relationship with the teachers. I think the No.1 thing the school should be doing is creating an environment to allow each student to reach their potential.”
Dopierala has taught engineering in the past and also worked at inner west selective school Fort Street.
Joshua Chan, who graduated from North Sydney Boys last year, said Dopierala was always approachable, well spoken and supportive of the student voice as a deputy principal.
“I wish him all the best in his exciting and challenging new role, and we are all interested to see what this brings to the latest chapter of friendly rivalry between NSBHS and James Ruse,” he said.
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