Long gone are the days of school principals being a frightening figure you got sent to see when in trouble.
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Principals play a wide and important role when it comes to all things involved with education.
They are also that crucial link between the school and the wider community.
The Ulladulla region is lucky to have many great principals and we decided it was time to meet them.
So come with us as we meet another local principal.
St Marys Star of the Sea
Principal: Laurinda Nelson
How long have you been your current school?
"This is my third year at St Mary's Star of the Sea.
What other schools have you taught at ?
Prior to Milton, I worked at St Michael's Catholic School in Nowra, which is a large three-stream school. I started my teaching career in small school in western NSW.
What do you enjoy most about being a principal?
My favourite part of the day is when I see our students understand something new or solve a problem for the first time, I can share their joy. I really love working with our students and their families. I am blessed with staff who have a genuine passion for working with children and their families. As Principal, I enjoy getting to know each student then ensuring their needs are met within our school community so they be happy, kind and confident learners.
What makes your school so special?
We are a Catholic school, we focus on all aspects of each individual student's growth, academically, socially and spiritually. Our school is small, everyone knows everyone, the teachers know every student and parent, the children know all the teachers and each other. We are a strong community who look after each other.
How long have you been an educator?
I have been teaching for 35 years.
What are the types of issues students face these days?
Our students are being educated in a period of rapid change, society is changing, the makeup of families is everchanging and technology is changing the way we all learn and communicate. The decline in student and adult mental health concerns is a growing challenge for so many in our community. Of course, locally our students have had the very real challenges of the Bushfires and COVID this year. I'm so proud of our students' ability to be resilient and positive overcoming these enormous challenges to learn and be happy.
What was your favourite subject at school?
As a student, I would have to say English and the Arts. As an educator I would say Mathematics, ensuring that our students have a love of problem-solving and becoming creative and efficient 'mathemagicians'."
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