Why this Gold Coast principal quit NRL to teach

LISTEN HERE: Principal of one of the oldest Gold Coast Schools, Peter Tong opens up on his upbringing as a child deaf parents, and why he quit his career with the Queensland Crushers for the classroom.

PRINCIPAL of one of the Gold Coast’s oldest schools, Burleigh Heads State School’s Peter Tong sees his role as both a teacher and a custodian of the past.

Open and enthusiastic about both the heritage and potential in the beautiful beachside community, Mr Tong said without the interaction he has with his students and their parents the job wouldn’t be half the fun it is.

Listen to the full podcast below as Mr Tong talks about his upbringing as a child of deaf parents, and why he quit his career with the Queensland Crushers for the classroom.

PRINCIPAL PODCAST: Behind Helensvale State School Principal’s ‘baptism by fire’

Burleigh Heads State School Principal Peter Tong at work talking to year six students Kaiya Massey 11 (left) and Chanelle Clack 11. . Picture Glenn Hampson

Originally published as Why this Gold Coast principal quit NRL to teach