Watt’s new at Emanuel
ANDREW Watt has been appointed as the new principal of Emanuel School, replacing Anne Hastings who is set to retire at the end of this year.
ANDREW Watt has been appointed as the new principal of Emanuel School, replacing Anne Hastings who is set to retire at the end of this year.
Watt, who is currently the deputy principal K-12 at Wenona, will take up his new role from January 2018.
Emanuel president Adam Blackman described Watt as having “a proven track record as an outstanding Australian educator and leader”.
With Watt’s leadership background in pastoral care, professional staff development, strategic planning and management, “The Emanuel board is entirely confident that under his leadership, Emanuel School will rise to new heights of excellence,” stated Blackman.
Reflecting on Emanuel’s pride in its Jewish heritage and strong connection to the State of Israel, Watt noted, “This, along with a commitment to living out their school values and motto, ‘Mind, Spirit, Being’, through tikkun olam resonates strongly with me. My passion to maintain a culture of excellence and innovation, to promote a lifelong love of learning in an inclusive environment, aligns well with Emanuel School’s philosophy.”
The Emanuel board noted that Watt’s leadership will build on the strong foundations established by previous principals Bruce Carter and Hastings over the past 16 years.
Hastings said, “While not knowing [Watt] personally before his selection, I know that his colleagues hold him in high regard and believe that his attributes, values and philosophy match closely with those of our school … I will be pleased to introduce Andrew to the community in the coming months and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for our school.”
Emanuel’s new principal has held senior executive positions, including as a consultant for Roseville College, and as deputy and acting principal of The Scots College, where he was previously head of senior school. Watt has a bachelor of education (physical education and health), as well as a master of educational leadership from Macquarie University.
With an interest in innovative learning space design, Watt strives to encourage curiosity among students through interactive, enquiry-based experiences. “Our goal as educators is to provide engaging and challenging learning experiences that prepare our students for a dynamic and collaborative workplace and life beyond school.”
SOPHIE DEUTSCH
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