Star

Principal differs in principle

By Sam Bolitho

4th August 2009 11:05:21 AM

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Merged school … Broadmeadows Valley Primary School principal Andrew Jones with, from left, students Tyler, Mia and Mohamad. 34162

ANDREW Jones accepts that he doesn’t look like most principals. The 35-year-old surfs, skateboards and plays drums.

But behind the laid-back demeanour and laconic drawl is a man serious about education and intent on improving the quality of schooling in Melbourne’s northwest.

Mr Jones has been appointed principal of Broadmeadows Valley Primary School, which was formed last month when Broadmeadows West, Jacana and Meadow Fair North primary schools merged.

Next year the three schools, together with Westmeadows Primary School, will move into a purpose-built facility that will cater for modern teaching techniques.

The Dimboola Road school will not have conventional classrooms. Instead, classes will be conducted in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Mr Jones said classes would be taught in small groups, with programs tailored to the students’ needs.

“You walk into this room and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen,” Mr Jones said.

“This is all about identifying the needs of the children with clear assessment criteria that enables the school to know exactly what that student needs,” he said.

The former Findon Primary School assistant principal is excited about working at the new school and has high expectations.

“We are giving Broadmeadows what it bloody deserves, mate,” Mr Jones said.

“For too long the people of Broadmeadows haven’t had exposure to such a high-level learning environment,” he said.

Mr Jones, who has spent seven years working in schools across Melbourne, said his priorities for the new school were simple.

“Firstly, it’s about student learning - literary and numeracy. And the second tier will be all about student wellbeing.”

He envisions a school that will be a “one-stop shop” for education, from preschool to Year 12.

“You will be able to drop your kids off in the morning for childcare and you’ve got a special development school.”

Construction of the new school is 70 per cent complete and is due to open next year. Currently Broadmeadows Valley Primary School is operating out of two sites, on Lilliput St and Johnstone St.