THE inaugural principal for the Riverland’s first Catholic secondary school, St Francis of Assisi College – which is set to open in Renmark, 2022 – has been appointed.
Mount Gambier resident Nathan Hayes, who has extensive regional Catholic education experience, will play an instrumental role in the development and establishment of the $19.5 million school.
Mr Hayes, who formally taught at St Mark’s College Port Pirie, followed by leadership roles as deputy principal at St Joseph’s School Port Lincoln and Tenison Woods College Mount Gambier, said he looks forward to his new opportunity.
“Like all regional communities in South Australia, the Riverland is full of parents committed to providing a great family life and future full of opportunity and choice for their children,” he said.
“Our family is no different in this respect and I am really looking forward to becoming part of the local community and parish with my wife, Tamara, and our three children.
“Tamara, whose maiden name was Rover, grew up in Renmark and still has family in the Riverland, so we have been regular visitors to the region for around 20 years.
“I look forward to getting to know and understand what is important to the families and young people in this community, partnering with the existing Catholic parish primary schools in the Riverland to continue their good work as well as welcoming families from all corners of the region.”
Mr Hayes said the initial attraction he had to the job was the opportunity to be involved in providing a complete Catholic education pathway as an option for families in the region.
“As a principal of the college, I am committed to leading a school community that provides personalised and flexible learning pathways that prioritises the wellbeing of each student,” he said.
“Also, given the strong connection to and reliance on the local environment for our lifestyle, livelihood and leisure, the college focus on integral ecology that will underpin everything is exciting for me.
“This centres on the responsibility we all have to be conscious citizens and think beyond ourselves when it comes to respecting our environment and its resources, as individuals and as a collective.”
In addition to the principal announcement, work is continuing to establish St Francis of Assisi College.
An advisory committee comprising of locals has been meeting regularly, providing strong regional perspectives and input into planning, including consultation to develop the school’s values and logos.
College building designs are well-progressed and aligned with the innovative curriculum plan, and work relating to the site is continuing – with the exact location in Renmark yet to be decided.