Cornish College has announced the appointment of its new principal with Nicola Forrest, current Deputy Principal, taking up the leadership position in Term 1, 2020. Board Chairperson, Rev Dr Robert Johnson, made the announcement following news that Vicki Steer will leave the College at the end of 2019.

Rev Dr Robert Johnson said…The appointment of a principal is the most important responsibility for any school board, as it drives the Strategic Plan and shapes the school’s culture. As someone with absolute clarity of vision, who sets high standards and has a focus on innovation, we believe Nicola’s leadership will see us excel in providing a meaningful and relevant education for the 21st century.

The College Board believes that Nicola’s experience, dedication to developing students and staff, and collaboration with our unique community, will ensure continuity in providing the best educational experience for students.

Nicola Forrest has driven exceptional teaching and learning practices that are at the forefront of education today with an intentional focus on curriculum design and instruction. Nicola is one of few certified presenters and trainers for Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction in Victoria. This approach informs curriculum design and instruction in the Cornish College primary and secondary years, building on the powerful International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

She is highly qualified with a Bachelor of Education, with a double major in Language and Literature, a Masters of School Leadership and a deep understanding of the Cornish College educational philosophy. She is also the recipient of a number of accolades including:

  • Formal Education Sector Excellence Award Winner, Environment Education Victoria, 2016
  • ASG State and Territory Inspirational Teaching Award, NEiTA, 2009
  • Young Leaders Program and England Study Tour Scholarship, INET, 2006

In accepting her appointment, Nicola shared with the Board…Kerry Bolger and Vicki Steer have served the Cornish College community generously and leave a strong legacy in the promotion of education for a sustainable future. It will be an honour to be involved in the next chapter of our school and to have an integral role in preparing young people to create and use their voice to make a positive difference in our world.

I am passionate about education. Becoming a principal is not something you would choose to do otherwise. But more than this, I am hopeful. Hopeful about education; hopeful about our world; hopeful about peace and the management of our ecology and environment; hopeful that education can fulfil its role in creating a better world for generations of young people who will in turn, educate communities of their own to also thrive.

Nicola will continue to support the Principal, Vicki Steer, as she provides continued leadership throughout 2019. The College Board has thanked Vicki for her contribution over the past four years, which includes developing a new Senior Studies Centre, set to open in July 2019. The new centre will provide a range of benefits for senior students including flexible, contemporary learning spaces that best support learning and teaching for students’ final years of schooling.

The Board will communicate later in the year to provide further information about opportunities to acknowledge Vicki Steer’s contributions to the Cornish community.