Two foundation principals have been appointed to lead the Sunshine Coast’s newest state schools, set to open in 2021.
Education Minister Grace Grace today announced Mr Andrew Walker as the principal of the new primary school at Palmview and Mr Matt Samson as the principal of the new high school at Baringa.
Ms Grace said both principals were the best people for the job.
“I’d like to congratulate Andrew and Matt on their exciting and challenging new roles,” she said.
“The opportunity to develop a new school from scratch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I have no doubt both principals will do a brilliant job.
“Andrew and Matt have extensive experience at a range of state schools across Queensland which will put them in good stead to lead the new schools.
“They will start in their new roles next Monday.”
Mr Walker (Palmview) has 35 years of experience as a teacher and principal, starting his career in 1986.
He has worked as a principal at a mix of rural and remote and metro primary schools across Queensland, currently working as principal at Hilliard State School.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this position and look forward to building, with the school community, a strong and successful student learning environment,” Mr Walker said.
Mr Samson (Baringa) is the current acting principal at Beerwah State High School, kicking off his career in Queensland’s education system more than 30 years ago.
Mr Samson started off as a physical education teacher in 1989 at Acacia Ridge High School and since then, has taken on a variety of teaching principal and senior department roles across the state.
“I look forward to working with the community to create a safe and supportive school environment that empowers all students to create positive, successful futures,” Mr Samson said.
Ms Grace said the Palmview and Baringa schools would open to foundation students in January 2021.
“The $127 million high school at Baringa will open to year 7 and 8 students in term 1, while the $63.8 million primary school at Palmview will open for prep to year 6 students in term 1,” she said.
“The Baringa high and Palmview primary schools are two of five new state schools set to open in Queensland next year.
“We’re also building a special school at Palmview, primary school at Pimpama and a vertical high school at Dutton Park in Brisbane.
“That’s a total investment of $460 million, which will support more than 1,360 construction jobs.
“FKG is the contractor for the three schools being built on the Sunshine Coast as well as the primary school at Pimpama.”
Enrolments will open soon for both schools.
