Cudgegong Valley Public School has welcomed new principal Michelle Neaverson-Smith.
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Although new to the big chair at CVPS, Mrs Neaverson-Smith is already acquainted with the school.
After moving to Mudgee for a ‘tree change’ in 2007 she worked in a consulting role, working with schools across Western Region in the areas of Literacy, School Improvement and Leadership Development. Before joining Mudgee Public School in 2013 as relieving principal from August until year’s end, then continuing as deputy principal for the following three years.
And with the 2018 school year under way Mrs Neaverson-Smith is feeling at home at CVPS.
“It’s outstanding, we’ve had a fantastic start and I’ve found everyone to be very welcoming – the teaching staff, the ancillary staff, students and the parents,” she said.
“They’ve embraced me, which is nice. I like to belong and I feel like I belong, it’s a nice match.”
Now in her 30th year with the Department of Education this is an opportunity to put together everything she’s learned.
“What’s great about coming here is that all of the research and information that I’ve used and supported other principals in their schools I get to use here,” she said.
“It’s a really good time to start as principal because it’s the start of a new school plan for 2018-20, which needs to be finished by the end of the first term.
“It’s building on what’s happened in the past and all of that knowledge and moving forward.”
Mrs Neaverson-Smith said the most rewarding part of her role is getting to play a part in the lives of the students at CVPS.
“What drives me is making a difference, there’s no better job to know that you’ve touched someone’s life each day or you’ve made a difference in a child’s life,” she said
“We’re all about the students here, and making a difference for them, and it’s one of those jobs that you know when you’ve done that and you can see it – and it’s extremely rewarding.”