Healthy kids have healthy bodies

Ms Woolford said VASSP was a group of government school principals and assistant principals who worked collaboratively to foster professional development and comradery.

“The scholarship was open to all members and was given to one person,” she said.

“I had to explain what I wanted to do, what the opportunity would provide me and how I would share that with others in VASSP and the region.

“I was blown away and overwhelmed to find out I had been awarded the scholarship.

“As assistant principal in a regional school, I felt pretty small fry and was not expecting it at all.”

Ms Woolford said the conference was a ‘fantastic’ opportunity.

“Attending the World EduLead Conference is something I have wanted to do for a long time and with the scholarship, I can’t find a reason not to go — it’s forcing me to be brave,” she said.

Ms Woolford said she was passionate about expanding the capability of teachers to become leaders.

She said the conference would help foster that passion.

“We have a shortage of principals across the state and I wouldn’t be where I am without the coaching and mentoring I received from our principal Rob Pyers,” she said.

“I want to help build expertise from within and allow others to have the same opportunities as I have had.

“Also, the chance to hear from people doing research into best practise of teaching and leading is great. Being up-to-date is really important.”

The conference will run across four days in April.

“Conveniently, it is scheduled during our school holidays, so I can turn it into a holiday as well,” Ms Woolford.

“I have been supported by Rob Pyers, VASSP and the principal team here, so I also want to thank them for helping me take this opportunity.”

Where

Child Is Known

Anew school, new uniform and first-day excitement is not just for the Wimmera’s youngest residents.

Principals and teachers are also preparing to step into classrooms across the region – many in schools or roles that are new to them.

Among them is Darcy Taberner, who is Rupanyup Primary School’s acting principal.

Mr Taberner takes on the role after a six-year tenure at Horsham West and Haven Primary School.

It was a chance to immerse himself in a small school community and develop his leadership skills that prompted a change.

“I will miss West. I had a very enjoyable six years there. I’ve taught some amazing kids and worked with some terrific staff along the way and worked under good leaders,” Mr Taberner said.

“Working under principal Lee McKenzie and, previous to him, Andrew Parry, I’ve learned a lot.

“I had the opportunity to go for the role at Rupanyup and I’m really excited to have that challenge to go into leadership and develop my skills in that area.”

Rupanyup has about 20 children enrolled this year.

Mr Taberner will spend about two-and-a-half days in the classroom leading specialist classes such as physical education, Spanish and Information and Communications Technology, ICT. He said working at a small school was appealing.

“I can’t wait to get started and try to involve the community into the school as well as myself into the community,” he said.

“I started teaching at Echuca West in a school of 80 kids and I absolutely loved my time there.

“I always thought I’d like to get back into a small school environment and really get to know all community members and be a part of the community.”

The appointment is initially for a six-month period.

“I would then have to apply for the role fulltime. I would like to think I could stay on for quite a while, if I can, but we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.

“I am born and bred in Horsham and my family and friends are here.

“I’ve always enjoyed working in Horsham as well.

“I’ve taught some amazing kids over the time at West and I know there are terrific kids at Rupanyup that I will be able to teach and get to know on a personal level.”