GEORGE Street Primary School announced their new principal, Brad Smallman on December 14 last year, and his first day commenced last week.

Mr Smallman said he has spent a decade in educational leadership and has come to George Street as principal after working as an assistant principal at North Geelong Secondary College.

“It has been an absolute delight to settle into George Street Primary, from the moment I walked into the school it was evident the school is fortunate enough to have some amazing and passionate teachers – the students are also delightful,” he said.

“The process involved a written application followed by an interview in front of a panel with three members from the Department of Education, including a senior education improvement leader and a highly experienced principal from another school.

“Being raised in the Western District, Hamilton seemed like a natural fit – it also helped that my partner’s family are born and bred Hamilton locals.

“Originally from Colac, I spent my childhood and teenage years there before spending time living in England and France, eventually returning to Melbourne and Geelong.

“It was at the University of Melbourne I completed a Master by Research where my passion for education grew.

“I feel very lucky to have been able to complete study at arguably Australia’s best university and love the fact that I can bring that high level of education to the students at George Street.

“I’m the first person in my family to complete higher education and that has undoubtedly helped shape the value that I have for teaching and learning.

 “My background has been working in school contexts very similar to George Street and I bring a wealth of experience to the role – enhancing the sense of community within the school, working with students and parents, and ensuring that all students learning needs is my core business as principal.

“I believe that it’s a privilege to be a teacher and a principal and it’s working together with families to support student learning and establish a culture of high expectations that we will focus on under my principalship.”