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USC academic enjoys being principal for a day
University of the Sunshine Coast Head of School of Science and Education Dr David McKay is singing the praises of James Nash State High School in Gympie after being the school’s principal for a day last week.
James Nash High principal Darrin Edwards handed over the reins of the school’s administration to Dr McKay on Monday 28 May as an Education Week activity.
Dr McKay – a senior lecturer in biotechnology at USC and a former high school teacher – said James Nash High School had a lot to be proud of, especially its students.
“I was really impressed by the quality of the students at James Nash,” he said.
“You can pick up on a lot just walking around a school. All the students were on task and well-behaved, the school grounds neat and tidy, and the teachers enthusiastic.”
Dr McKay said he enjoyed meeting the school’s staff and students and even standing in for a teacher in presenting a German language lesson.
“The most enjoyable part was meeting the school captains and vice-captains and discussing with them their business for the day,” he said.
“This included things like organisational issues for school functions they were running, including advertising and where they were going to run them.
“I think being principal for a day has further strengthened the ties between James Nash and the University. That one-on-one type stuff … there’s no substitute for it.”