School’s in: Principal Jenny Cowburn. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 75381
MICHELLE HERBISON
QUEENCLIFF Primary School’s uncertainty is over with new principal Jenny Cowburn set to give the school a fresh start in 2012.
Point Lonsdale Primary School principal Fay Agterhuis governed both schools in 2011 since Queenscliff PS’s former principal Peter Martella’s resignation.
Mrs Cowburn’s appointment has quashed rumours the two schools might be forced to amalgamate.
Mrs Cowburn said she was “excited” by the new challenge of running a small school and looked forward to getting to know the students.
“My number one priority is to build up relationships with the community.”
She said holistic education created global citizens.
“The five C’s are really important – creativity, curiosity, collaboration, communication and compassion,” Mrs Cowburn said.
About 13 years at Riddells Creek Primary School gave Mrs Cowburn a wealth of experience managing a school and working as a leading teacher.
She said she looked forward to working with Queenscliff’s Marine Discovery Centre to allow students to become “experts in the field” of marine life and environment.
Equipped with the skills from organising a successful arts festival at her previous school, Mrs Cowburn said she was keen to immerse herself in Queenscliff’s arts scene.
School council member Alex Giannuzzi said she was excited about the “fantastic opportunities” Mrs Cowburn’s first year would bring for Queenscliff’s students.
“We’re very lucky with Jenny, she knows it will be a challenge but she is a fantastic teacher with some great experience,” she said.
Ms Giannuzzi said rumours of a merge with Point Lonsdale PS had been of little concern.
“It was just about finding the right person,” she said.
