Eumundi Voice Issue 111, 20 February 2025

EUMUNDI WELCOMES NEW SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The school term is back in full swing, and Eumundi State School (ESS) has warmly welcomed its newly appointed principal Rob Jennings.

Rob has worked as a primary school educator for over 30 years throughout Qld, including as principal at Old Mapoon, Lockhart River, Kuranda, Beerburrum, Yandina and most recently

Tewantin State School. As father of 2 children, he has a good understanding of the importance of a good education and the transformational power of strong school communities.

Rob said, “I am passionate about providing students with a positive learning environment to nurture and inspire students to reach their full potential, a place where students are encouraged to be kind, curious, resilient and confident individuals.

“It is important as educators that we have a good relationship with students, to provide them with skills for the future. Children will need to have skills in critical thinking, be able to think on their feet, make good decisions and apply logic. We aim to produce children who have a broad spectrum of knowledge and ideas – along with a good understanding of themselves.”

Despite his long career in education, Rob did not initially complete Yr12. At 16yo he left to work in the local meat works, before being promoted to work in the office as an administrator. He then worked as a bricklayer and concreter before hopping in his car and travelling around Qld with his surfboard. It was not until he was 22yo that he decided to become a teacher.

When asked what his favourite subject at school was, Rob jokingly answered, “Lunch! No seriously, I loved sport and played cricket and rugby. I also loved modern history.”

His favourite subject to teach is mathematics. “It was not my strongest subject in school, so when I went to do my teaching degree I majored in maths because I wanted to improve myself and I ended up really loving it!”

Rob believes that the most important achievement upon completion of a child’s primary education is happiness. “I hope that when a child leaves school, they have good morals, are kind, have a belief in themselves and dreams they want to follow. I hope they are good communicators, have socially acceptable behaviours and are adaptable to change.”

Rob is looking forward to collaborating with students, families and staff to build upon the school’s strengths and explore new opportunities for growth and innovation: “Thank you for welcoming me to this wonderful community. I am confident that together we will continue to make ESS a place where everyone feels valued and inspired to thrive.”