Michelle Nicholson is the newest resident to town – and on Monday commenced her first day as Guyra Central School’s acting principal.
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With more than 20 years experience, Mrs Nicholson has most recently worked as a principal at Norfolk Island and at Wilcannia Central School in an Indigenous community in far west NSW.
She said the reputation of the school and the brilliant work by former principal Jo Burgess made her decide to apply for the position.
“Working in a K to 12 setting for me is where I want to be,” she told The Argus on Tuesday afternoon.
“I like the opportunity to work with families in the community and also to have the opportunity to educate.
“For me, to have a central school is important.”
And she hasn’t wasted any time diving into her new role.
“I drove up from Walcha yesterday (Monday) morning,” she said.
“I had been up to the Trout Festival and had been here over the weekend but I drove up to start school yesterday.”
Mrs Nicholson, who has moved to Guyra with her husband, said she loves working in small communities.
“I just love working in small communities,” she said.
“I love working with a whole range of kids and I think it’s important to work hard to make sure there is equity for children.
“It’s important that they can access what they need.
“I was attracted to this school because of the work of the previous principal and the great work that Gillian has been doing this year.
“I heard about all of that work and I wanted to be part of that.”
Before her time in remote communities, Mrs Nicholson started her career in teaching in the Hunter Valley.
“I’ve got a creative arts background,” she said.
Mrs Nicholson will replace relieving principal Gillian Davis who has been filling former Guyra Central School principal Jo Burgess’ position since her last day on April 7 this year.