Hunter Region Embraces New School Leadership Wave
The Hunter region is ushering in a fresh era of educational leadership, with more than 80 new principals taking the helm at NSW public schools this year. Among them is Anna Owen, who has been appointed as the lead principal at the Newcastle School, a specialised institution supporting students with significant disabilities.
Anna Owen's Journey to Leadership
Anna Owen's passion for special education was ignited during a high school work placement at Bullimbal School in Tamworth, where she worked with students who have moderate or severe intellectual disabilities. "I loved it, and at university I found my love and my passion for supporting students with a significant disability," Mrs Owen reflected. This early experience set her on a career path dedicated to inclusive education.
With two decades of experience in the field, Mrs Owen has progressed from classroom roles in both mainstream and support schools to positions within the NSW Department of Education. Over the past eight years, she has served as a learning and wellbeing officer, adviser, and coordinator, honing her skills in student support and administrative leadership.
Stepping into a Key Role at Newcastle School
The Newcastle School operates across three campuses: Newcastle Junior School, Newcastle Middle School, and Newcastle Senior School, all tailored to meet the needs of students with significant disabilities. Mrs Owen expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I'm just so excited to be working with all three sites and looking forward to where this journey will take me in the years to come."
Her previous role as a coordinator at the Newcastle education office involved close collaboration with the principals of the school's campuses, providing her with valuable insights into the institution's operations. "I could see that this was a job where I could use my skills that I've picked up over my career to make positive change," she explained.
Importance of Specialised Schools
Mrs Owen emphasised the critical role that schools like the Newcastle School play in supporting families and students throughout their educational journey and beyond. "These kids still have the potential to learn, it might look different to their next-door neighbour, but they can still achieve so many wonderful things," she said, highlighting the importance of tailored educational approaches.
Reflecting on the first day of the new school year, Mrs Owen shared her joy at being back in the school environment. "I enjoyed being back with the kids, supporting the staff, it was a great feeling," she remarked, underscoring her commitment to hands-on leadership.
New Principals Across the Hunter Region
The leadership changes extend beyond the Newcastle School, with several other schools in the Hunter region welcoming new principals. Notable appointments include:
- Todd Daniels at Newcastle Public School
- Shahn Radcliffe at Plattsburg Public School
- Andrew Robinson at Francis Greenway High School in Maitland
- Kylee Beasley at the in-progress Medowie High School in Port Stephens
- Luke Stewart at Gresford Public School
- Sarah Robards at Tarro Public School
- Nathan Lincoln at Millfield Public School
- Rebecca Swanson at Weston Public School
- Kate Slaven at Stroud Road Public School
These appointments are part of a broader statewide initiative, with 51 new principals taking on leadership roles for the first time, and 29 experienced principals transitioning to new schools. Geographically, 31 of the new appointments are in Sydney, while 49 are in regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW, including the Hunter region.
A Privilege and Responsibility
Murat Dizdar, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, acknowledged the significance of these leadership roles. "Becoming a principal in public education was both a privilege and a profound responsibility," he stated. "Our new principals are stepping into roles where their leadership will shape not only learning outcomes but the confidence, wellbeing and life chances of thousands of young people and their communities."
This wave of new appointments marks a pivotal moment for education in the Hunter region, as fresh leadership brings renewed energy and expertise to schools dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement.
