Pride of Australia: Mandy Reynolds-Smith is a lady of inspiration

THE past six years have taken on a life of their own for Mandy Reynolds-Smith.

Montrose Bay Principal Mandy Reynolds-Smith has been nominated in the Inspiration Medal category for the Pride of Australia.

THE past six years have taken on a life of their own for Mandy Reynolds-Smith.

The principal of Montrose Bay High School has overseen a transformation of epic proportions – the creation of a new school with over 800 students.

When both Claremont and Rosetta high schools amalgamated in 2010, Mrs Reynolds-Smith was chosen to lead the new school and has been the arbiter of much change since.

“The amalgamation process was both challenging and rewarding for all involved,” she said.

“The first two years of the merger was challenging for all elements of the school community, as there was the loss of two school identities and the need to build a commitment to, and establish expectations for, our new identity.”

In the early days of the amalgamation, the school was spread across three different campuses which involved large amounts of planning to ensure students were well catered for at each of the sites.

“In the first year, the year eight students were bussed out to the old Claremont High site while building works were undertaken at the old Rosetta High,” Mrs Reynolds-Smith said.

“The Big Picture students were housed on the old Brent Street Primary building while their building was completed [and] Years 7, 9 and Rosetta Year 10s were catered for on the main campus at Rosetta.

Mrs Reynolds-Smith says that six years on, the students and teachers now have a strong sense of school pride.

“Our staff and students are rightly proud of their school that has come far in a short time,” she said.

Through her hard work in ensuring the amalgamation process ran smoothly Mrs Reynolds-Smith has also implemented several community projects including the SecondBite program that helps produce a range of meals for those in need.

She also maintains a hands-on approach with her students by attending excursions, camps and making daily visits to classrooms to keep up to date with the children.

For her tireless efforts Mrs Reynolds-Smith has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal in the Inspiration category.

“To be nominated in the inspirational category is indeed a delight and certainly bought a smile to my face,” she said.

Nominate an unsung hero here. Nominations close this Sunday.