08 Apr 2022
“Our school community finds itself in a rare and unique situation and we have a golden opportunity to build – not just physically, but culturally – two new schools from the ground up. There is enormous potential for both schools to become leaders in educational provision in the region as we move forward,” Mr McAlister stated.
Obviously, Steve’s focus is on the Primary department at the Central School, but he will be working closely with the Secondary leadership, all staff, parents and community to ensure the transition is as positive as possible.
“The students, and what’s best for them, has to remain our primary focus. An emphasis on continual improvement as individuals and as a whole school – or schools – must be at the forefront of our planning.”
To help our community get to know Mr McAlister a little better and to learn for themselves all about leadership, the Primary Student Leadership team recently intervewed our new Principal.
Do you enjoy being a principal?
It is the best job in the world but you do have some pretty tough days.
Are you a principal because you love children?
That is definitely part of it. There is something so rewarding about seeing students continually grow and improve and strive to be better each day than they were the day before.
What makes you feel happy in your job?
The best moments are when teachers send kids up to show me the great work they have been doing, and getting to spend time in the classrooms.
Why did you come to JCS?
Good question, I really like the idea of starting at a new school, to work with our community, our teachers, to be able to work with our whole school right from the start, to create a culture of continual improvement and growth. I want our new primary school to be the school that everyone goes to and wants to go to.
How many years have you been a principal?
17 years, since 2005.
Were you a teacher before?
Absolutely. My first job was as a district relief teacher and I would work at lots of school in a particular area.
The first class I had that I could call my own was a yr 2/3 class at Gundagai South PS, then a yr 5/6 class at the same school. I moved to Balranald Central School as an Executive Teacher, then 4 years as an Assistant Principal at Balranald and another 5 at Crescent Head on the NSW north coast.
My first job as a Principal was at a small school with just three classes and 60 kids.
What leadership qualities do you have?
When you are a leader it is important to be able to listen, to have thick skin, and be able to determine what is best for most not just a few, and you need to try and meet everyone’s individual needs. I think I am fair and that I always focus on what is best for the students above all else. It is really important as a leader to be able to recognise the need for change, be able to implement it, and to also recognise when change may not be needed – and to be able to tell the difference!
When you went to school, did you imagine you would be a principal?
No, not even a teacher. I started to study teaching while I was waiting to get in to journalism.
My dream was to be a sports journalist and travel the world reporting on the major sporting events. Once I started teacher training, I found I really enjoyed it – something about learning how kids learn really interested me. I decided to scrap the journalism thing, I was having too much fun.
We welcome Mr McAlister and look forward to him continuing to lead us through the exciting transition to Jindabyne Primary* (name pending).