School principals’ visit strengthens links with UNE
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
A group of 25 secondary and central school principals from throughout the region visited the University of New England on Friday to update their knowledge of the University’s courses, facilities, and entry and scholarship opportunities.
“We are your university,” said the Chancellor of UNE, Richard Torbay, in welcoming them to the campus. “You, as school principals, are of fundamental importance to us. You are part of our family, and we will work with you to serve your needs and your students’ needs.”
The principals were in Armidale for the annual New England Region Principals’ Conference. “Our relationship with UNE is very strong,” said the School Education Director for the New England Region, Phil Jones, who accompanied them. “We’d like to see the people here today going back to their students with the latest information from the University.”
Wayne Chaffey (pictured here), Principal of Tamworth High School, said he would be doing just that, and – particularly as a UNE graduate himself – would be recommending the University to his students.
Bill Campbell, Principal of Peel High School, said he was keen both to pass on information about UNE courses and entry possibilities to school students, and to assist with the local employment of UNE teaching graduates. “I’m particularly interested in putting teachers graduating from UNE in touch with schools in our region,” he said. “If they’re seeking work in this region, it would be good to think that they might have a speeded-up process.”
Mr Campbell, who is also a UNE graduate, said: “I see a huge advantage in the college system here at UNE, and the range of courses on offer.”
After lunch in the “Booloominbah” Chancellery restaurant, the Chancellor’s welcome, and a number of informative presentations by UNE staff members, the group of principals went on a tour of the campus – including the School of Rural Medicine, the animal house and greenhouses, and the college precinct.
THE PHOTOGRAPH of Wayne Chaffey displayed here expands to include the Chancellor, Richard Torbay (left) and Bill Campbell.