The principal of the new Rapids Landing Primary School has been appointed ahead of the planned completion and opening ready for the 2018 school year.
Educator Lisa Helenius arrives in town with a respected 30-year career in principal and senior leadership roles in the Western Australian education system under her belt, and told the Mail she was excited and ready for the early development of the school community.
“At the moment we are recruiting the Manager of Corporate Services, and we are also advertising for two deputy principals,” Mrs Helenius said. “We are trying to be quite clear about the staff that’s going to bring this dream alive.
“Given I’m new into this area, whilst there are some things that we know for sure – parents want a safe and inclusive environment, we know that they want very rich education programs – you also start to focus on the distinctiveness, what is it about Rapids that makes it unique?”
Mrs Helenius said she had already been contacted by community members keen to know if certain programs would be run at the school.
“We will be holding an open evening in July which will allow parents to come along and meet our core staff, discuss plans for the school and inquire about enrolments.
“They will be able to find out more about colours for uniforms, logos, that P&C type stuff as well as gaining an understanding of the direction of the school.”
The new principal said while it was difficult to leave her previous role as principal at Esperance Primary School, she had already received support and offers of collaboration from other Margaret River schools.
“I have had great discussions with [MRSHS Principal] Andrew Host as well as Aaron Thomas from Margaret River Primary.
“When you think of Margaret River, it’s synonymous with healthy lifestyles. I expect parents will be looking for more than just academic learning, also social and physical development and life skills.
“I feel privileged to be the foundation principal of the new primary school and to be given the opportunity to lead and progress the critical task of establishing our identity.”