Benjamin Millar
Deanside’s new primary school will have an experienced principal at the helm following the appointment of long-time local Stuart Telford to the role.
Mr Telford has been chosen as the foundation principal of Grasslands (Deanside) Primary School, set to open its doors at the start of 2022.
Currently the principal at Ardeer South Primary School in Sunshine West, Mr Telford has lived in the Melton area for 25 years and has spent the majority of his education career locally.
The avid runner now hopes to hit the ground running as the new school’s first principal.
“I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Deanside community to create a vision of a high performing primary school that has a clear focus on the academic, social and emotional needs of our young people, underpinned by a culture of high expectations for all,” he said.
“I advocate strongly for quality education for kids in the west and I am a passionate educator driven to provide high quality learning opportunities for local students.”
The school is being built to accommodate 525 pupils from prep to year 6, with space for pupils to be active, natural outdoor areas that reflect the surrounding environment, and modern learning facilities that support diverse curriculums.
Mr Telford said that starting a new school from scratch has many practical challenges, but his focus is upon the many opportunities for students, families and staff.
“As a resident, parent and educator it will be my goal to ensure that the area has a primary school that leads the way in education initiatives and delivers a high quality curriculum for all students to reach their full potential,” he said.
“With the right foundations in place and doing the groundwork, we can see the current worksite turn into lush Grasslands that allowing Deanside students to flourish and grow as learners.”
A two-room interim kindergarten will be co-located on the site and operate until Melton council’s permanent facility is built on their site next door.
Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz said she is excited by the appointment of someone with Mr Telford’s experience and priorities.
