New principal for Emanuel
Sydney’s Emanuel School has appointed Andrew Watt as its new principal to replace Anne Hastings who is retiring at the end of this year.
Andrew Watt
Andrew Watt is currently Deputy Principal K-12 at Wenona and will take up his post from 15 January 2018.
Announcing his appointment earlier this week, Emanuel President Adam Blackman described Mr Watt as having “a proven track record as an outstanding Australian educator and leader”.
“The Emanuel Board is entirely confident that under his leadership, Emanuel School will rise to new heights of excellence, building on the strong foundations established by Dr Bruce Carter and Ms Anne Hastings over the past 16 years,” Mr Blackman said.
“The process for the selection of our new Principal was very extensive and the Board was delighted with the level of interest shown by many highly-qualified candidates, which is an indication of the standing of Emanuel School in the eyes of the education community,” Mr Blackman added.
Mr Watt said, “Emanuel School has a clear purpose and direction, creating a unified community, with a great pride in their Jewish heritage and a strong connection to the State of Israel. This, along with a commitment to living out their school values and motto, ‘Mind, Spirit, Being’, through Tikkun Olam, resonates strongly with me. My passion to maintain a culture of excellence and innovation, to promote a lifelong love of learning in an inclusive environment, aligns well with Emanuel School’s philosophy.”
He has over 22 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in education, fostering conditions in which, as he says, “students are developed and nurtured as successful learners and confident and creative individuals, with a heartfelt commitment to service within the wider community”.
Ms Hastings said, “The selection committee kept me apprised of their progress as they underwent the rigorous task of finding a person to lead Emanuel School into its next phase. I am delighted that Andrew has been successful. While not knowing him personally before his selection, I know that his colleagues hold him in high regard and believe that his attributes, values and philosophy match closely with that of our School. I have great confidence that, through his leadership, he will ensure the continued success and high standing of Emanuel School. I will be pleased to introduce Andrew to the community in coming months and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for our School.”
Mr Watt has held significant senior executive positions, including as a consultant for Roseville College, and as Deputy and Acting Principal of The Scots College, where he was previously Head of Senior School. He has a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education and Health), as well as a Master of Educational Leadership from Macquarie University.
“Our goal as educators is to provide engaging and challenging learning experiences that prepare our students for a dynamic and collaborative workplace and life beyond school,” Mr Watt said. “Being part of a learning community that provides a strong sense of belonging and connectedness, where students believe that the staff care about them as individuals, as well as their learning, are key attributes of a flourishing school.”
Described by his colleagues as a “man of deep honour” and “one of nature’s gentlemen”, Mr Watt also has considerable leadership experience in pastoral care, professional staff development, strategic planning and management. He is married with two adult sons.
