Guest principal’s global lessons

ARALUEN Primary School welcomed Esso Longford plants manager Monte Olson as guest principal on Tuesday, as part of Principal For a Day program.

The program is designed to give community and business leaders a first-hand experience of a normal day in a Victorian government school.

Araluen principal Karen Milner said Principal For a Day was a great opportunity to provide business leaders with an insight into the interests of the future generation.

“Hosting Monte Olson for the day provided a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to talk to an industry leader about the priorities in education today as well as the challenges of leading a primary school in the 21st century,” Ms Milner said.

“I just think it’s really good for people outside the education field to touch base with where the future generation is coming from, what happens in classrooms, what challenges kids face, and different focuses we have for learning.”

Mr Olson addressed the school assembly, visited the students’ vegetable garden, did yard duty, talked with teachers and met with the student leadership team to discuss what it means to have good leadership qualities.

“The whole day has just been great. To me the best part of the day was just interacting with the kids,” Mr Olson said.

“It’s good for me to take time off and get with that age group to hear what’s on their mind.

“It was very interactive and fun. I’ve really had a good time.

“I hope it’s been beneficial for the school.”

Ms Milner said Mr Olson had made a positive impression on the school community.

“He was very keen to be involved in classroom activities and spent most of his time working with students in their science and maths classes,” she said.

“It was wonderful for our students to hear about his career journey and his tips on being an effective leader.

“Hopefully he has inspired our students to believe in their own abilities and follow their passion.

“We welcome him back at any time.”