Encouraging and inspiring the next generation

EDUCATOR Wendy Nicol felt empowered to step into the role as Principal of Powlett River Primary School after receiving phenomenal support from colleagues who encouraged women in leadership, mentoring her to inspire the next generation.
From her first days at university studying a Bachelor of Teaching, Wendy visualised becoming a primary school principal and in the past five years she had her sights set on leading Powlett River. 
When the opportunity emerged, Wendy had the chance to steer a positive culture within a country community school. 
“I was ready for this next step in my career, I wanted to provide a positive influence on each child’s education,” she said. 
At Powlett River the educators help the children to build their confidence so when it comes time for them to transition to secondary school, they already have a strong sense of who they really are. 
“We have a wonderful group of 44 students from prep to grade six, I know every parent, grandparent and their extended family and I can honestly say I know something special about each student and that is the difference here at Powlett River. We are creating connections every day,” said Wendy. 
“Our small school is the centre of our community, giving our students a sense of belonging.
“Our past students visit to update us on their journeys in secondary school and we have a lot of parents who attended our school, with many who reflect on having the west creek room as their classroom.” 
Last year, Powlett River had the opportunity to be a part of a project with Bass Coast Community Foundation who funded the students to be involved in ‘Kids as Catalysts’ and one of the programs was working with the Wonthaggi Historical Society. 
“The kids loved it. We learnt a lot about the buildings within our school – because they came from different places when schools merged.” 
“There is something special about Powlett River and its history, it’s somewhat like a patchwork quilt – the history connection plays within the culture of the school – the children are accepting and open and you can be who you are here,” said Wendy.
“There is no exclusion because of what you wear or what your interests are. At Powlett River there is no pressure to fit in and be the same or mimic what someone else is doing – because when that is happening, that’s not who they are – we strive for our children to find themselves.”  
“I’ve always wanted to be the principal of Powlett River, it’ been a goal for the past five years and on my first days here 18 months ago I thought, yes, this is where I belong.” 
“I have loved my time in other schools, you invest so much of yourself - all educators do, so it is hard to move on but there was something about the opportunity that Powlett presented – being a small school in a community with so much potential, I thought I could really have an impact here.” 
Wendy grew up in Drouin and has always loved that country, community feel – she had a positive influence throughout her education which directed her into her successful career as an educator today. 
At Powlett River Wendy is working hard to get funding to upgrade their facilities.
“How the community feels about our school is important to me – however, I know that things that improve outcomes for students aren’t necessarily the buildings condition, but our children deserve well maintained classrooms.” 
As a leader in education Wendy doesn’t solely see the vision of the school as her own, she intends to work with the students, parents, and the wider community over the next 12 months so everyone has a voice, “together we will develop our school vision, discovering what it is that we want for primary school education for our young people,” said Wendy. 
Powlett River Primary in Dalyston will remain as a country community school but is always welcoming new families. ‘At Powlett River we aim to help each child thrive in those early days of education.’