Principal's new Eaton challenge

Experienced principal Stuart Cumming opened a new chapter of his life at Eaton Primary School last week.

Mr Cumming spent nearly nine years atMaidens Park Primary School, formerly Withers Primary School, and was a driving force behindthe school’s pushto becomethe State’s first ‘‘forest school’’.

An outdoor classroom, climbing trees and a cubby house were all part of his plan to encourage children to be fit and healthy.

‘‘The re-branding of the school was definitely one of the more memorable achievements during my time at Maidens Park,’’ Mr Cumming said.

‘‘Linking the school to the Maidens Reserve — being a massive part behind the name change — were certainly highlights.’’

Mr Cumming said although it was a difficult decision to leave Maidens Park, he was looking forward to the new challenge at Eaton.

‘‘Being at Maidens Park as long as I was, it was sad to leave,’’ he said.

‘‘But the move has opened up some new opportunities for myself, which isgreat.’’

He will bring a wealth of experience to the school after serving as a principal for more than two decades across regional WA.

‘‘I got my first job as a principal back in 1989,’’ Mr Cumming said.

‘‘I have been a principal in a lot of remote schools in the North West, including Fitzroy Crossing, Port Hedland, Tom Price and Meekatharra.’’

Mr Cumming has taken over from Brian Johnson, who was recently appointed the principal of the new yet-tobe-named primary school at East Dalyellup.

Helen Foan, formerly of Wilson Park Primary School at Collie, is the new principal at Maidens Park.

New Eaton Primary School principal Stuart Cumming is looking forward to the next stage of his education career. PICTURE: DAVID BAILEY