New principal appointed to lead Aurukun School from 2017

A new executive principal has been appointed to lead the Aurukun school campus from 2017.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today told State Parliament experienced primary and secondary teacher and principal Mike Ennis has accepted the role.

“Mr Ennis is currently the principal of MacGregor State School, which is one of the largest state primary schools in Queensland where more than 70 per cent of students come from a non-English speaking background,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Mr Ennis taught in Aurukun early in his teaching career and is an outstanding principal who is highly regarded among his colleagues.”

Education Minister Kate Jones said Mr Ennis would lead a quality teaching and learning agenda to ensure improved outcomes are achieved for students in Aurukun.

“The merit selection appointment process took into account the qualities sought by the Aurukun community, including the need for integrity, fairness, quality and respect for the Indigenous people of the Wik lands, their culture, history and traditions,” Ms Jones.

Mr Ennis said he looked forward to returning to Aurukun and working with children and the community to provide educational excellence.

“My wife Kay is an experienced primary and secondary teacher too and is returning to Aurukun with me. She will also work at the school as a teacher. We are both extremely excited to be returning to this wonderful community,” Mr Ennis said.

Mrs Ennis worked as a primary teacher at Aurukun in the bi-lingual program when her husband taught high school students there in the mid-1980s. Mr and Mrs Ennis have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the Aurukun community.

Mr Ennis said one of his priorities was to meet with members of the local community and work with them to improve student attendance and ensure the best possible access to quality education.

Mr Ennis will work with the leadership team, teachers and school staff in close consultation with the community.

“I strongly believe that every child has the right to a quality education, no matter where they live and I look forward to working to increase parent involvement in the education of their children,” he said.

The Aurukun school has operated on its current site since 1974 and since 2010 has been a campus of the Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy as part of the Good to Great Schools Australia Network.

In total, thirty-four applications were received, the second-most for any Queensland state school principal position to date in 2016, and more than triple the average applications received for principal positions. 

Community involvement in the recruitment process was warmly welcomed, with the Mayor of Aurukun participating as a member of the selection panel.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791