15 May 2012
My name is Denis Anderson and I am introducing myself as the newly appointed Principal of Wellington Public School.
My career with the Department of Education began in 1971. Since that time I taught in a number of schools, moving to my first executive leadership in 1987 as an Assistant Principal. This position was attained under the old inspectorial system and a promotions list placement. While at this school with an approximate enrolment of 600 students, I had the opportunity to relieve, as Principal, for extended periods of time over seven years, with the last two years continuously in this role.
Next I accepted a Principal position at Katoomba Public school. The process this time involved a merit selection process. Success came to me again when selected in a promotional position involving a transfer to Lithgow Public School four years later.
Following a very rewarding five years, my next move was a lateral transfer to Hazelbrook Public School where I was Principal for a further five years before retiring in September 2010. At this time my wife and I sold our house at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains and moved to the south coast to be closer to our adult children and their families.
In retirement, and following a career spanning almost 40 years in Public Education, I had an intense yearning to return to what had been an essential part of my life for so long. I applied to be re-employed by the Department of Education and Communities and after negotiating a challenging course, made it back to be placed as a Primary Principal 2 at Wellington Public School. I was delighted because this placed me at the same level as I had been in the ten years prior to my separating from service in 2010.
I was even more delighted to find a warm and welcoming reception waiting when meeting students, teachers, support staff and some of our parents for the first time.
In my letter to the School Education Director and the selection panel, I said, "I have the energy, integrity and determination to continue to move Wellington P.S. forward. I give my strongest undertaking to ensure the school's children and their overall welfare will remain the focus in everything we share. I will continue to bring a transparency to what we do and what we achieve in ‘providing exceptional learning opportunities for all' in partnership with the school's community."
I went on to say," My years of experience equip me for the rigors of this larger, complex school setting. I know this involves an ever-increasing demand, as changes in schools are occurring at a rapid rate. I can only suggest that we will achieve great things by being a team, collective in our aims and determined in our diligence."
We will look forward to growing effective partnerships with our parents and community so we can further improve quality teaching and learning in our school environment and in being respectful, safe learners.
I would also like to thank Mr Peter Aird for his excellent leadership as Relieving Principal at Wellington Public School.
Denis Anderson
Principal