Small school gets new leader

TOOBORAC Primary School’s new principal, Nick Williamson, says he wants everyone to feel welcome.

“People should be able to walk through that gate and feel like they belong,” he said. “It’s part of the Tooborac community, not just a primary school.

“I think we have the potential for growth here, especially in our student numbers.

“It’s got fantastic play spaces. There are two different playgrounds, the huge open space, the sandpit, the chickens, everything that you need here as a student, for 13 kids this is fantastic.

“The grounds go all the way down to the creek, there are lots of schools you don’t get all that space.”

Tooborac students could also benefit from an almost completed building program that has transformed an older historic building on the site.

“We’re hoping to have the kids in there Monday ready to go, we’ve got our fingers crossed,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s a new start for all of us. The new building, that’s really exciting.”

When it comes to his approach to work, the new principal describes himself as logical and methodical.

“Students should expect a calm and orderly environment,” Mr Williamson said. “I like to create systematic familiar routines and things that make them feel comfortable.”

Mr Williamson comes from five years at Heskett Primary School where he was a numeracy specialist and classroom teacher. Prior to that he taught in other schools including stints at Kilmore and Marysville.

“My experience is in small schools,” he said. “This is my 12th year of teaching.”

Mr Williamson is also interested in the school’s long history.

“It’s our 150th anniversary this year,” he said. “As far as I know no one’s organised anything so it’ll be a lot of work.

“This isn’t my school, I’ve been here for only a second, we need people from the community, our school council and people who’ve been here a long time to help drive this celebration because I know nothing about the history.

“There’s the school review we have every four years and that’s happening in term two, so we’ll organise something for term four for the anniversary.

“It will be a really good community event.”