Jan Anderson - Head of Campus Napranum

Personal

My first years of school were spent in the small two teacher country school, Kia Ora State School and I have maintained my affinity for small schools into my teaching career. My first teaching post in 1974 was Baralaba Secondary Department, the destination High School for students from Woorabinda Mission. Thus began my interest in indigenous issues and indigenous education. This may have sparked the interest of my husband Don as since then I have followed his career path and taught at Lockhart River, Burrowes, Aurukun, Cairns West, Parramatta, Milton, Edge Hill and Napranum. My daughters Anita and Lisa have become resourceful and adaptable young women who are empathetic to people of all backgrounds as a result of living in so many far flung places.

Role

As Head of Napranum Campus I attempt to foster a happy and safe environment with essential and positive partnerships fostered with students, their families and teachers. I hope people who visit the school get a sense that it has "a good feel', essentially like a large family.

Within this environment, there can be no watering down the expectations of behaviour, attendance and work so high standards are set and pursued. I hope that the 'good feel' is realised as much by a sense of achievement as by the care provided.

Current Focus

There is currently a consultation process in place about the future of Napranum Campus. I need to balance the advocacy for the Campus celebrating current efforts and success while considering the best interests of the students of Napranum and their future. Meanwhile it needs to be "business as usual" with the foot still on the pedal.