During the recent school holidays Broadmeadows got a new school. Broadmeadows Valley Primary School was created when Broadmeadows West, Jacana and Meadow Fair North primary schools officially merged on July 1, 2009. With the new school is a new principal - Andrew Jones. The former assistant principal from Findon Primary School is ambitious for the new school and aims for it to be the primary school of choice in the area.

Looking more Zac Efron than Mr Chips, the youthful principal is unfazed by the challenge of bringing three schools together. Although respectful of each school culture and mindful of the changes people have been through, Andrew says it’s time for everyone to look to the future and to build a culture unique to Broadmeadows Valley.

He envisions the culture being one of:

• high expectation
• academic success
  
• strong leadership
  
• staff accountability
  
• staff development
  
• clarity and robustness around student welfare policies and processes 
  
• celebration
  
• inclusion, happiness and safety
  

Andrew describes his leadership as strong, consultative and distributive, meaning he expects his staff to step-up and work with him to lead the school.

“Educators have a moral responsibility to teach and need to be accountable for their work. I want to build their leadership capacity. I’ll give them professional development. I want them to feel empowered and valued.”

Feeling empowered and valued is also sentiment Andrew has for the students and a priority for him is establishing a student council so students can have a voice within the school.
 
Another priority is building a relationship with Hume Central Secondary College with whom the school shares the Dimboola Road site. Andrew believes for too long schools have worked in isolation and not shared knowledge and good practice. He has already met the College’s executive principal, Glenn Proctor, who is also keen to work with the primary school.

“In time I see our teachers and their teachers and our students and their students working together on action research projects,” says Andrew.

Broadmeadows Valley Primary School’s senior education officer John Nelson is excited at Andrew’s arrival at the school and is in no doubt he will create a vibrant and successful school.

“The guy brings huge amounts of energy and drive and has extensive experience after working at a variety of really good schools. He will be focussed on developing good teacher practice to ensure the kids do well. He is aspirational and ambitious for this school,” says John.

In his spare time the 35-year-old father of three (with a fourth on the way)  is a drummer in a rock band and a surfer.

For the remainder of the school year Broadmeadows Valley will operate over two campuses, Johnstone Street and Lilliput Street, while its new facilities are completed. The new school is expected to be ready for the start of the 2010 school year.

Westmeadows Heights Primary School is expected to merge with Broadmeadows Valley Primary School in late 2009.