Mitch Bartholomew (He/Him) - Deputy Principal
Congratulations on your appointment as deputy principal of the school in Throsby. What interested you in this position?
I enjoy working in teams to achieve common goals and this is an opportunity to create a positive school culture from the very beginning. There are no existing or established norms or expectations. This is a chance to build a school culture that reflects the community. And we get to do it together!
You’ve been in school leadership for the past eight years. Tell us a bit about your career journey.
I’ve been a school leader in Canberra for eight years and have worked across a number of different schools. I first started teaching at Monash Primary and have been very lucky to have worked with some amazing mentors and leaders. Most recently I was at Lyneham Primary and before that Richardson Primary.
I enjoy working with staff, students and the community to build strong relationships so we can collaboratively support our students. I am passionate about promoting high quality approaches to teaching and learning and embedding a positive and restorative approach to managing student behaviour.
What do you enjoy most about being a deputy principal?
I enjoy working with colleagues who share the same passion, vision and values. I’m exciting about recruiting and building our team at Throsby’s new school.
My role allows me to work right across the school and I enjoy visiting and talking to students in preschool all the way up to year 6. I get to build relationships with every staff member, student and family in our school community.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
I am passionate about leadership and enjoy reading about what educational leaders can learn from leaders in other professions/industries such as business and sport.
My two favourite leadership quotes are;
“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other” – Simon Sinek
“If we create a culture where every teacher believes they need to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better, there is no limit to what we can achieve” – Dylan Wiliam
What was your first job?
I used to deliver pamphlets and magazines around my local suburb on my bike.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice.