Hello and welcome to my first Woodend community blog. I am looking forward to working with the school community in supporting students to learn within and beyond the school. While I am aware of much of the outstanding work that has already been carried out in the school, I’ll be asking many questions to find out even more. It is very clear that current research now underpins the very work that we do in schools, and which I know has supported the work at Woodend Primary School. I aim to ensure that this good work continues throughout the school.

For the last nine years I have been Principal at Reynella Primary School. Only a few nights ago, at an event held at Reynella, a teacher pointed out to a Woodend Primary School student that I was to be Principal at their school. Apparently the student was a little confused, and said something along the lines of, “but he is here!”  I hope that the confusion will end next year when I am seen in the right location.

As part of my own induction, last week I met the leadership team and this week I will meet a number of staff. This is just part of the ongoing process to familiarise me with past, present and future happenings and directions of the school. As with all schools, there is a lot to take in, so I expect that I will be learning about Woodend Primary School for some time to come.

I look forward to many conversations as part of my getting to know you and the school.

Kind regards,

Steve Freeman