Lindsey Delooze is the first principal of Marra School, a new specialist school in Kalkallo that will welcome up to 148 students in term one. She spoke to Courtney Black about her background and career as a teacher, and shared her favourite things about the community.
What is your connection to Kalkallo and Hume?
My job. As principal of Marra School, I am so pleased to be opening up a much needed brand-new specialist school for our local community. The community has been so welcoming and I am excited to be part of this lovely community.
What do you like about where you live?
Having recently moved north after living in the west, I love exploring. All the trees bring out a calmness that is good for me. I also drive past a lot of farmland on the way into work each day which reminds me of where I grew up.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I would like some suggestions from our community. I love Shared Cup in Donnybrook, so much so that we had our first ever staff get together there. The playground there is great for children and the food is absolutely delicious.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I do love spending time with others, but I really like doing things by myself. Going to the cinema, getting chai at a café or even just walking on my own is bliss. I even went to see the last Toy Story movie on my own. Growing up, I did not want to be a teacher. I wanted to be in the police, but unfortunately my terrible eyesight stopped me from applying. When I was at primary school I tried the guitar, the cello and the flute, but was terrible at them all. Luckily, we borrowed them.
What is your background in teaching?
I was a primary school teacher in the United Kingdom for nine years, before running an autism unit within a high school. When we moved to Melbourne I started volunteering in a primary school but then toured a special developmental school and realised it was the path for me. I have worked with all different ages and in most school settings which is pretty unique. Opening a new school is the icing on the cake.
What excites you most about your role as principal of Marra school?
I am so excited to be able to set up a school that harnesses the values that I hold. The three school values for Marra are bravery, resilience and respect. I know how brave our students have to be every day, and I want to instil this bravery throughout everything that we do at Marra.
What can students and families expect with you as principal?
I am a fiercely determined person and will always advocate for my students, families and staff. Students and families can always expect a warm welcome and a smile from me and I will always be there to help.
