THE Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAAC) announced on Monday the appointment of their new principal, Michael Horne, who will begin the role in Term 2, 2023.

The appointment comes on the back of the resignation of former principal Dr Andrew Hirst in June, who expressed a desire to explore new opportunities in NSW after seven years at the helm.

Deputy principal, Kristen Waldron, has stepped in as acting principal since September 16, which was effectively Dr Hirst’s last day before taking a sabbatical in Term 4.

Mr Horne is an experienced educational leader and is currently the associate principal at Braemar College in Woodend, Victoria, where he leads the areas of staffing, operations, curriculum, and staff development.

Prior to his role as associate principal, Mr Horne, was Braemar College’s head of senior school, and also held senior leadership positions including deputy principal at Salesian College and Ave Maria College.

Mr Horne spent his early teaching career at Scotch College in Melbourne, and considers himself first and foremost to be an English teacher, with interests in music, history and outdoor pursuits.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College Board chair, Rosie Merrin, said Mr Horne would be an exceptional appointment for the school, bringing skills, highly regarded experience, and a philosophy that would provide inspirational leadership.

“Michael is an established speaker and author of numerous English textbooks, and he is passionate about developing the capacity of staff and students to be continual learners, and is a strong advocate for pursuing excellence in teaching practice,” she said.

“In his current role, he has successfully led and introduced academic programs and brought a renewed focus on improving teaching skills and has been instrumental in developing capacity in middle leaders and forming highly effective teams.

“We were continually impressed by Michael’s optimism and his belief that ‘schools are wonderful places - busy, exciting, challenging, rich with possibility. The chance to genuinely connect with and follow the trajectory of remarkable young people makes school leadership one of the best jobs in the world’.

“This perspective is a wonderful fit for the College values and our community.”

Mrs Merrin said Mr Horne would was the perfect fit to lead the school as it looks ahead into an exciting future filled with possibilities.

“As The Hamilton and Alexandra College enters its 151st year of outstanding education in Hamilton, we know that Michael will lead the staff and students confidently into the future of new careers, opportunities, personal growth and wellbeing,” she said.

Mr Horne is currently undertaking a Doctor of Education degree through The University of Melbourne with his research focusing on the development of professional learning using teacher-led action research methodologies.

He also holds a Master of Education and Graduate Diploma in Education, both from The University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Monash University.

Mr Horne and his family - consisting of his wife, Gemma, and their sons, Henry and Theo - are looking forward to joining the THAAC community, meeting the staff and families, and being active members of the wider Hamilton and South West region.