Former Army serviceman turned educator Grant Haigh has stepped into the role of Principal at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Caloundra. After serving in East Timor and leading St Anne’s Catholic College Temora in New South Wales, Grant and his family embraced a new adventure, relocating to the Sunshine Coast just in time for Term 1. Drawn to Our Lady of the Rosary’s vision and values, he is eager to lead, motivate, and guide the school in 2025 and beyond. Q: As a Principal, what inspires you in your role? A: I find it to be an incredible privilege to work in Catholic education, to lead a group of professionals, connect with students and their families, and watch the community grow. I am inspired by the community and the role they play in raising children to be active members of society. Q: What inspired you to make the move from a small country school in New South Wales to a Sunshine Coast school? A: My family and I spent the last 5 years in the small rural town of Temora, where we met some amazing people and lifelong friends. My former school in Temora had a strong sense of community that was evident in staff, students, and parents. Parents were generous with their time and understood the need for a partnership between home and school. In our 5th year in Temora, we decided as a family that it was time for us to be closer to our parents/grandparents, leave the cold winters behind and enjoy the lifestyle that comes with living on the Sunshine Coast. I hope to bring that strong sense of community with me to Our Lady of the Rosary. Q: What are your plans for your school in 2025? A: Continue the great work that has already been occurring at Our Lady of the Rosary. Our student's most recent NAPLAN results are impressive and something that they should be really proud of. Our Lady of the Rosary has been recognised as a high performing school on the Sunshine Coast. I also look forward to meeting the students and parents as Term 1 progresses. We have some exciting facilities and maintenance plans in store for this year. Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of work and how do you share these with your students and community? A: AFL, mountain biking, camping, water skiing, spending time with family. I am very active outside of work, I only just retired from playing AFL last year. In Temora, I was the President of the Temora Australian Football and Netball Club. This was a great way to connect with the community outside of school and share my love for the sport. My wife and daughters love Netball, and this meant that I was able to see my daughters play and still be connected with AFL. It is important for students to see us role modelling an active lifestyle. I like having conversations with students at school about their favourite teams, or the results from the weekend. It is a great talking point. Q: How do you like to connect with students on a personal level? A: I enjoy being present in the playground and talking with the students and I can often be caught challenging them in handball or skipping with the big ropes. When walking through classrooms, it is rewarding to see how excited students get when they show me their schoolwork. They are very proud of their achievements. Q: What is your favourite way to celebrate student achievements? A: Acknowledging student achievement at assemblies, allows them to gain recognition in front of their peers, parents and community. I also like to acknowledge their efforts in person, for example, walking past them in the playground and congratulating them on their achievements. Q: How will you foster a strong community in your new role? A: By being present, visible and approachable. High expectations in behaviour and academics are crucial in creating an environment of respect for the teacher and the learner. Communicating clearly with the community provides them with the information they need to play their part in education. Q: Do you have any traditions or practices for creating a positive school environment? A: I believe that school needs to be safe, fun and rewarding for young people. One of the traditions I enjoy is to form a staff/parent swimming team and race the students at the swimming carnival. I also like to race the students in the 100m running race at the Athletics Carnival. Book week dress up is another way to connect with students and show them that there is a lighter side to school life. Q: What do you hope to accomplish at Our Lady of the Rosary that will leave a lasting impact?
A: Create a community minded environment that sets high expectations in all aspects of school life.
Q: Do you have an inspiring quote or phrase you use in your interactions as a leader?
A: The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. (Lieutenant General David Morrison)
For more information about Our Lady of the Rosary, Caloundra or to enrol click here.