INCOMING principal Nathan Towney didn’t share his year seven pupils’ first day fears when he took over the helm of one of the city’s most historic schools.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“I was actually feeling really excited,’’ Mr Towney said of his new role as principal of Newcastle High.
“I had a plan of what I wanted to see happen. I met with staff to tell them my vision for the school, my educational philosophy that underpins everything I do, what school should look like for young people – and the staff could all relate to that, which was great.”
Mr Towney started in the top job last week, taking the number of Aboriginal principals across the state to 25.
“It’s probably something I don’t think about, it’s just who I am,” he said, referring to his Indigenous identity. “It’s always how I introduce myself, as a Wiradjuri man. “I’m very proud of my Aboriginal heritage and it’s a privilege that I get to connect with people as an Aboriginal person and share my history and culture.”
Newcastle High has 63 students who identify as Aboriginal, including many who have come on their own or with their families from country NSW to enrol at the school. Many others are exploring their identity.
“It’s quite common in all the schools I’ve been at to have students coming up to me saying “I’ve never called myself an Aboriginal person but I know I am an Aboriginal person, where do I start?’
“They want to try and connect those dots in their family history and find a connection.
“It’s been good to have those conversations, often with families and parents as well, about what that means and where they can access more information.”
Mr Towney said he was pleased the school of 1100 students already had cultural centre The Cottage, an Aboriginal education officer on site and programs including didgeridoo classes and retired teachers providing HSC guidance.
But he said he was interested in seeing an even closer relationship between the region’s Indigenous community and the school. “There’s a lot of local Aboriginal organisations that have a lot to offer not only to kids, but all families that might require some support.”
Mr Towney was signed to the Canterbury Bulldogs when he was in year 12 and spent three years with the team, but was injured and decided to become a physical education teacher.
He taught in Scone and Sydney and was the Aboriginal education and engagement senior education officer in south-western Sydney. He was deputy principal at Wadalba Community School before moving into the same role at Newcastle High in mid 2014.
