By Callum Ludwig
Wandin Yallock Primary School has welcomed a new principal for the start of Term Four, with parents and students alike excited to get the opportunity to meet Judith Martin.
Ms Martin has been the principal at Gunbower Primary School near the Victoria-New South Wales border and is making the move to the Yarra Ranges to be closer to her sister in Emerald.
Ms Martin said her first was been wonderful.
“It’s a terrific school and everyone has been so welcoming,” she said.
“Last week feels like such a long time ago already, I’ve been getting to know the students, their families and the staff and visited people in their classrooms and the playgroup, that’s what the first week is all about.”
Ms Martin was also previously a permanent teacher at Echuca West Primary School for seven years.
Ms Martin said the good feel of the school stood out to her prior to applying for the position.
“Even just from the things they have shared on social media, on their Facebook page, or their website, I just got a good feel for it,” she said.
“It seemed to have such a great and positive culture to the school and I knew I’d love to and be proud to work here.”
Ms Martin is originally from Scotland and taught there for about 15 years. In 1998 she completed her first teaching exchange to Australia at Glengarry Primary School, and another at Rochester Primary School in 2002 before emigrating with her family in January 2006.
Ms Martin said she was surprised to have gotten the position.
“I knew I had obviously a big life change to make, having to move and settle down here, it’s a complete change, so it was quite surprising,” she said.
“I want us to continue to be a terrific community-minded school, where we’ll get to work together to flourish and to grow and to continue to develop as a school community.”
Ms Martin has a particular interest in art, spending time in nature and enjoying the company of her family and friends.
Wandin Yallock Primary School is also set to celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday 5 November. More to come.
