BY accepting a job as the University of Newcastle's Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, principal Nathan Towney is following the advice he gives to students.
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"I always talk to the kids about stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new things because that's how you learn and grow," Mr Towney said.
"I'm excited about starting the next step in my journey, to learn and grow and am looking forward to doing more study myself."
Mr Towney will leave Newcastle High at the end of term and start his new job - which replaces the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education and Research role - on October 14.
He will report to UON Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky AO and be a member of the senior executive leadership team.
"He will take on a role with the opportunity to make a major contribution to the overall direction and strategy of our university," Professor Zelinsky said.
"The PVC role is key to ensuring our whole institution connects with community groups outside of the university. In this senior position, Nathan will also have responsibility for innovation into Indigenous education at the UON and will lead our Indigenous Education Framework.
"He will also be responsible for leading the implementation of our soon-to-be-released Indigenous Employment Strategy."
Mr Towney said he was contacted by UON's recruiter after he was floated as someone whose skillset matched the job description.
"It resonated with me in terms of the role trying to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities," he said.
"Being a Wiradjuri man who is proud of my culture drove me to exploring more about the role. Some would say it's a big risk leaving the Department of Education which has been my safety net for the past 20 years, but I think it's also exciting."
He said it had been difficult deciding to leave and breaking the news.
"I've had the best time here.
"I'm really proud to lead this school community that's made up of so many amazing people."
He said his focus for the next four weeks remained firmly on the school and ensuring a smooth and thorough handover to "amazing" deputy Rochelle Dooley.
"I'm really confident of our structures and processes. We're focused on student engagement so they're happy to come to school and excited about learning."
Department director of educational leadership Jenny Moody said Mr Towney had been an "exemplary educational leader" and "a powerful advocate for public education".
"We wish him all the best in his university role, confident that through his expertise and professionalism he will continue to put young people first in all his decisions."
EARLIER, 10.30AM
NEWCASTLE High principal Nathan Towney has been appointed the University of Newcastle's Pro Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Leadership.
Mr Towney will take up his new tertiary role - which aims to improve outcomes for Indigenous people and communities - on October 14.
"I'm looking forward to it," Mr Towney told the Newcastle Herald.
"It's stepping out outside my comfort zone, but I'm really excited about the opportunity."
Mr Towney, a proud Wiradjuri man, joined Newcastle High in mid-2014 and became its principal in 2016.
He told staff about his departure on Tuesday night and students and families on Wednesday morning.
"It's been difficult," he said.
"It's a bit overwhelming the feedback I've received and comments from all the stakeholders.
"That's what makes schools so special.
"We work with young people from when they're 12 to 18 and so many things happen in people's lives at that time.
"There are ups and downs, we support students and families and sometimes we're that stability.
"It's important to form school relationships and friendships and that will continue.
"I've had the best time here... I'm really proud to lead this school community."
Mr Towney said his focus was firmly on Newcastle High for the next four weeks.
Current deputy principal Rochelle Dooley will be the school's principal for the next 12 months.
Her role will be filled through an internal expression of interest.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
