By Jessica Anstice
A new primary school in Officer has officially appointed Nathan Jagoe as its new principal.
The well-known Tooradin man has been chosen to lead Timbertop Primary School (interim name), which is set to open in 2021 and provide more student places for local families.
Mr Jagoe has been working in the education industry for more than 20 years, with the past four and a half years spent serving as principal at Kooweerup Primary School.
Prior to his current position, he began the role of the assistant principal at Pakenham Springs Primary School when it opened in 2008.
“Working closely with the entire school community to build a culture of continuous improvement has been one of the biggest highlights over the years,” Mr Jagoe said.
“I have also enjoyed building the capacity of the teachers to work collaboratively to meet the needs of our student.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Kooweerup Primary School.”
When asked by the Gazette why he decided to apply for the new role, he said the opportunity to create a brand new community culture from the ground up was “incredibly appealing”.
“It’s an incredible honour to be given the responsibility of being the inaugural principal of Timbertop Primary School,” he added.
The new primary school is currently being built along Pink Hill Boulevard in Officer, with student enrolments to open towards the end of this year.
Funding to purchase the land for the new school was provided in the 2017-18 State Budget.
Following on from that, the school received a share $624.8 million that was allocated for new schools in the 2019-20 State Budget.
When complete, the campus will include two learning neighbourhoods, an administration building, outdoor play courts, a performing arts and physical education building, an arts, science and food technology building, and a sports field.
A new kindergarten will also be built alongside the primary school which will enable local children to experience a smooth transition from pre-school to primary.
It will also help to reduce the number of drop-offs for some parents and guardians with kinder and school-aged children.
With an incredible passion for ensuring all students achieve high levels of learning, Mr Jogoe said he is excited to begin meeting all members of the new school community.
“I can’t wait to begin meeting all members of our school community and build connections and positive relationships with our future students and their families,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to making Timbertop Primary School the hub of our growing community and establishing strong links with the new kindergarten which will be built alongside of the school.
“I’m also looking forward to bringing together a group of like-minded, passionate and energetic professionals to collectively develop an innovative and engaging school for our students.”
A Meet the Principal event will be held later this year, giving local families and prospective students an opportunity to meet Mr Jagoe.
In the meantime, Mr Jagoe will work with the local community, students and parents to build a school for the area that embodies excellence and opportunity for learners.
To establish the school with strong foundations, Mr Jogoe will appoint talented and committed staff members, as well as work closely with the architects and builders to provide the right environment for students to achieve their best.
“I enjoy building a strong sense of community where students, staff, families and the winder community truly connect and work together to educate the students,” he said.
“Fostering strong and positive relationships with all students to make them feel a sense of connection to school and achieve their very best.”
Outside of work, Mr Jogoe plays the role as an assistant coach at Tooradin Football Club and says he enjoys spending time with his family and friends while getting away to Loch Sport as often as possible.
Member for Easten Victoria Harriet Shing officially announced Mr Jagoe as principal on Thursday June 11.
“Appointing principals early gives local families the certainty they need about their new school and allows the school to start forming relationships with the community,” she said.
“I’m excited to see how Nathan Jagoe builds a new school community to get Timbertop (Officer North West) Primary School off to a great start in 2021.”
Timbertop Primary School is among 14 new schools to open across the state in 2021, with a total of 100 new schools to open by 2026.
