By Alesha Capone
The newly-appointed principal of a future Truganina school says she is looking forward to greeting new pupils and families next year.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly last week announced that Natalie Nelson would serve as foundation principal of Truganina South East Primary School (the interim name for the school), which is set to open next year.
Ms Nelson has served as principal of Altona Primary School for just over 12 months, and before that, she was principal of Ashburton Primary School.
“I moved from the east to the west because I become interested in the vision and plan by local councils in growth corridors to grow a vibrant community network with schools as part of that hub,” Ms Nelson said.
Ms Nelson said she felt “honoured” to have been part of Altona Primary School.
“It is such a delightful school that focuses on what matters most; children,” she said.
Ms Nelson said that during her time at the Altona school, she felt proud to have introduced Auslan language lessons; included the school’s values in a song and dance written and choreographed by pupils; and improved the pupils’ physical and digital learning environment.
Me Nelson said she was “thrilled” to learn she would become the foundation principal at the new Truganina primary school.
“I can’t wait to get to know the community, meet everyone and work together to build a school that is reflective of who we are and what we want to achieve,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to greeting all students and families at the gate on their first day next year.
“Those beautiful bright faces, wearing their newly selected uniforms with pride ready for their first day at a new school, will be so exciting.”
Ms Nelson described herself as a “collaborative leader who wants to ensure that all students flourish”.
“We will do this by having a well-rounded curriculum that not only focuses on the core; literacy and numeracy but also encapsulates the arts, digital learning, science and sport,” she said.
“We will celebrate who we are and what we bring no matter the language we speak.”
