Maree Findlay will be the new principal at St Joseph’s Nagambie in 2022.
Ms Findlay will take the reins from Leo Jones, who is retiring after more than 10 years at the school.
Starting her teaching career in 1992 at St Paul’s Primary School Mildura, Ms Findlay has worked at several schools in the region.
“I grew up in Nagambie and was previously a student and teacher at St Joseph’s. I’m really excited to be back,” she said.
“For the past three years I’ve been deputy principal at St Luke’s in Shepparton and prior to that I was working in the Catholic education office as an education officer specialising in literacy and curriculum.”
Ms Findlay said she wanted to continue the positive relationship St Joseph’s has with the community.
“'Working alongside the community benefits not only the school and its students but the community itself,” she said.
“Research tells us that schools can’t do it alone and a community approach is needed for education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Small schools rely on so few people, so having local support is really important.”
Ms Findlay said she wanted to lead the way with quality learning and teaching to achieve positive outcomes for students.
“My goal is to ensure St Joseph’s continues to evolve as a place of learning and uses current and forward thinking ideas to prepare students for the future,” she said.
“I want to continue to build the trust and relationship with families to make sure they feel supported and can be positive about their child’s future.
“The Nagambie community and St Joseph’s were an important part of my education and upbringing and I hope to give that positive experience to our students.
“I’m proud to be part of shaping the school’s future so it continues to be a flourishing and vibrant part of Nagambie and the Catholic education community.”
Mr Jones said he had collected a lot of fond memories since starting at St Joseph’s in 2009.
“The most enjoyable thing for me is working with students. I get so much energy from them,” he said.
“I’ve taught at least one day a week since being at the school and enjoyed having fun with the kids and watching them grow through the years.
“It’s been a challenging role, but the staff have really stepped up and worked hard at getting through it, especially during the pandemic.”
Mr Jones said he was extremely appreciative of the school community embracing him.
“I feel like I’ve made an impact at the school and I’m looking forward to someone with fresh ideas coming in and taking the school forward,” he said.
“I’ve got a farm in the King Valley that I’m looking forward to having more time at. It will be nice to do things when I want to, rather than rushing on the weekends.
“I’ve had a great time at St Joseph’s and I wish Maree the very best in driving the school into the future.”
Ms Findlay said while current restrictions made it challenging for prospective families to visit, she was available to answer any questions or concerns they might have.
“I believe St Joseph's, although a small school in numbers, has huge possibilities and opportunities for all involved,” she said.
“The school celebrates 100 years of education in March next year and it will be a great opportunity for the community, past students, families and staff to attend the celebrations and reconnect with their past.
“Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of the centenary celebrations can contact the school office for more details.”