Mrs Walsh, who was born and bred in Port Macquarie, has spent the last 14 years in a variety of roles at Kempsey Adventist School from teacher to school coordinator, deputy principal, and most recently, the dean of student wellbeing.

She now views Kempsey and Port Macquarie as home, and is excited by the challenges ahead.

“I wanted something I could sink my teeth back into as far as curriculum and learning for children,” Mrs Walsh said.

“I have a real passion for children learning beyond what they think they are capable of and I have a passion for kids having opportunities to learn in different ways, not just standard education.

“I love that aha moment that kids have.

“It’s that moment when they just get it and the lights come on and they can then just really run with what they are learning.”

She also enjoys discovering how each child learns best, and the same philosophy goes for staff, and how they can be the best teacher possible.

Mrs Walsh has 23 years’ teaching experience and she has also spent time running a campground with her husband in Victoria.

Her 2019 focus is on academic excellence, high levels of creativity, community, strong wellbeing and a grit and growth mindset.

Port Macquarie Adventist School has about 100 students, eight teaching staff and three support staff.

Student enrolments remain open for 2019.

Mrs Walsh takes on the principal’s role after the departure of Phil Lillehagen.

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