New principal Chris Gill is looking forward to his return to Bundaberg State High School when term three begins.
With an extensive history in education and a family connection to Bundaberg State High School, Chris said he was thrilled to return to the familiar grounds.
“I am very excited to be returning to Bundy High where I was Deputy Principal and Head of Mathematics Department from 2006 – 2015,” he said.
“Obviously, I still have many great friends and colleagues at the school and in the community.
“I am very much looking forward to re-connecting with them.”
Karen leaves big shoes to fill
Offered the position after former Bundaberg State High School Principal Karen McCord left to pursue a new education position in Dubai earlier this year, Chris said there were big shoes left to fill.
“I am very conscious of the significant role Bundaberg State High School has in the educational landscape in Bundaberg and I am honoured to be appointed principal,” Chris said.
“I would like to acknowledge the previous Principal, Karen McCord and commend her on her leadership of the school.
“I am taking over a school in very good shape.
“I look forward to continuing the commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students and to connecting with our community partners to ensure all students have a meaningful pathway beyond school.”
From Isis back to Bundaberg
What one school gains is another’s loss, as Chris was Principal at Isis District State High School for five years, a position he said he thoroughly enjoyed.
“I was warmly embraced by the Isis District community and established very positive relationships with colleagues and community members,” he said.
“I particularly enjoyed leading the redevelopment of the agriculture program at the school and partnering with CQUniversity and other schools in an AgTech initiative.”
Living in the Bundaberg Region for a quarter of a century, Chris said his wife’s parents also had a long career of teaching at Bundaberg State High School.
“I have been a Bundaberg resident for 25 years, initiated by my appointment as a teacher at Bundaberg North State High School from 1996-2005,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to marry a Bundaberg local and we have two daughters.
“Interestingly my family connection with Bundaberg State High School extends back to the early 1960s with my parents in law both being long term teachers at the school.”
Chris will start his role of Bundaberg State High School Principal on 2 July.
