Hastings Network director educational leadership Andrew Kuchling announced Meaghan Cook as the successful applicant for the temporary position of college principal at Hastings Secondary College.

The appointment will be for the remainder of 2021.

"As the current principal of Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus, Ms Cook is ideally placed to leverage our highly successful learning initiatives to deliver outstanding outcomes for every student," Mr Kuchling said.

"Ms Cook has demonstrated a wealth of skill and agility around instructional leadership and embedding a culture of excellence in learning and teaching in every classroom."

Mr Kuchling commended Willem Holvast for his leadership of the college's strategy and growth over the past five years.

"I sincerely thank him for his loyal service and dedication to public education and Hastings Secondary College," Mr Kuchling said.

"I wish Mr Holvast every success in his decision to continue serving the local community through a new role within the Department of Education."

Ms Cook was a former student of Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus, returning to the campus as principal in April 2019.

She has an excellent understanding of current educational policy, curriculum trends and educational administration.

Ms Cook has more than 28 years of experience in public education.

She previously held leadership positions at Camden Haven High School, Oxley High School (Tamworth) and started her teaching career in Moree.

Ms Cook has worked both within schools and in the corporate sector, supporting the quality teaching of staff across primary and secondary schools.

She held the position of senior education officer - quality teaching adviser for the Department of Education for many years, spending three years as PDHPE consultant supporting schools in the North West of NSW and Clarence Coffs Harbour districts.

Ms Cook was the lead writer of the Department's Child Protection Resources K-10 rolled out to all public schools in NSW.

Ms Cook said: "I am honoured to have been chosen to lead such an excellent college at the very heart of my own community.

"The challenges facing the education sector are significant, yet so are the opportunities to provide high quality, holistic educational experiences for all our young people.

"I look forward to working in partnership with our talented students, supportive parents, dedicated staff and committed leaders of the Hastings Valley Community of Schools to build upon our collegial strengths and achievements for public education in the Hastings.

"As a Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie campus student, I am particularly proud of its successful history, strong reputation for academic achievement, caring ethos, supportive learning environment and enrichment experiences."

Mr Kuchling said the appointment was a crucial step for the college as it embarked on a promising new chapter in its history.

"Meaghan is an inspirational educator and leader who has driven change in a diverse and ever-changing education environment," he said.

In the meantime, Robert Lyttle will act as principal of Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus.

Mr Lyttle has significant high-level leadership experience following his relieving principal role at Kempsey High School in 2020 in addition to deputy principal roles on both of our campuses.

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