LANDING the role as principal at Tamborine Mountain State High School was a dream for Jessica Keavney.
“I cried when I found out,” she smiled.
“I really knew this school was the right fit for me; my leadership style and the visions I had for the school.”
As a Tamborine Mountain resident, Jessica was quite familiar with the school, having strong connections with many of the parents from her time as coach with the Tamborine Mountain Wolves basketball team.
Jessica’s previous roles have included head of school at Helensvale State High School and leadership positions at Ormeau and Elanora State High Schools.
She brings this wealth of experience to her new role as well as an enthusiasm to listen and collaborate with the students, staff, parents and community to create a vision for the school’s next chapter.
“Hopefully by the end of the year I’ll have a good grasp,” Jessica said.
“I’m passionate about the arts. We live in an artist’s dream community. I’d like to see the arts, music and sport flourish.
“The school is in a place where experienced artists and musicians are on our doorstep, so we have an opportunity to bring more community in.”
Utilising the knowledge, skills and resources available in the community is something Jessica is passionate about. She also plans to join the Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce to help foster new pathways for students.
Evaluating with parents, students and staff whether the school’s groundbreaking model of a compressed curriculum for senior students is still serving the needs of the students is also on her radar.
“We do a lot of innovative things here,” she said.
“I don’t plan on changing anything that doesn’t need to be changed.
However, she said would be looking at reviewing the curriculum to offer a more extensive range of subjects.
“We’ve done well in the academic space, now we are looking at broadening into the arts and sport.”
Jessica said the school was unique in its rainforest environment, and its high standards, driven by the commitment of the staff and students.
“I have landed in a very unique school,” she said beaming.
