Principal's Report

Principal’s Report 26th July

My name is Monique Corcoran and I am thrilled to be the new Principal at Lyndhurst Primary School (LPS). I am honoured to be passed the baton from Mr Greg Lacey to lead LPS into the next journey of wonderful students, staff and parents/carers.

My focus over the past two weeks has been developing connections with people. To start with, I set each class a challenge of asking three creative questions. I encouraged students to be insightful, with the permission to ask absolutely anything.

The Prep students were intrigued about favourite colours, foods and whether I thought unicorns were real? (I wished they were 🦄)
Year ones delved into favourite countries of travel (definitely India 👍), favourite books to read and why I think I was chosen to be the new Principal (I told them I was clever and kind 🥰)
Year 2 classes branched into country of origin (European, including a space of French, thus my first name being Monique), my age and family structure and if I would ever introduce a Year 2 sleepover camp (that would be fun! 🤣)
Year 3 students were creative in asking about my passions, what I would take if deserted on an island and they were very excited about the possibility of a student earning a reward to be Principal for a day (watch this space 😮)
Year 4 students asked about the last concert I had been to and my interest in video games, what sort of super power I would like to possess and what I would do if I could go back in time (I would make a ‘wrong’ choice into a ‘right’ choice 👏).
Year 5’s extended their thinking with ancestry and famous people I would like to meet (Oprah Winfrey so I could interview other famous people). There was an almighty roar when asked if I preferred Messi or Ronaldo!!! ⚽
Year 6’s did not disappoint with their questions about dream holiday destinations, embarrassing moments and what I am passionate about most as a Principal (working with little humans 😍).

My next challenge was/is remembering all the names of staff. At last count, I have memorised 73 staff names in just two weeks. I am passionate about knowing people and what makes them them. There is power in knowing the names of those around us and really knowing who they are. My goal over the term is to speak with each and every staff member for 30 minutes to understand their joys:

What has brought them joy?
What does bring them joy?
What could bring them more joy?

Joy is such an important emotion to bring to our role as educators and my role as leader is to nurture and foster joy in my staff and in the workplace.

My final focus is getting to know the community. It was a pure delight meeting a swarm of parents, carers, grandparents and special guests at the recent 100 days of Prep. Photos were in abundance as we shared as a community the delight of watching our littlest learners beam with pride as to their accomplishments at school. I yearn to meet more parents/carers and have a chat. It would be wonderful to see you at the weekly Monday Assembly from 9am.

The interlocking elements of educators, students and community are the cornerstone of Lyndhurst Primary School. Every day I consider myself very lucky to be in the new role as Principal to lead with

Optimism; which is central to who I am
Respect; of which I hold highly
Empathy and consideration of everyone as individuals
Responsibility and accountability to all
Integrity; being honest and hold strong moral principles