Principal appointed for Amesbury School

Principal appointed for Amesbury School

The Establishment Board of Amesbury School in Churton Park has achieved another milestone towards its opening in early 2012. Today it announced the appointment of its first Principal.

“We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Dr Lesley Murrihy to the position of Foundation Principal,” said the Establishment Board Chairman, Rory O’Connor.

“The Establishment Board was keen to appoint someone who was a proven leader of learning, a highly competent manager, and a leader who could engage well with the local community” said Rory O’Connor.

Dr Murrihy faced strong competition for the sought-after role. The recruitment process was rigorous – with public advertisements, CV-checking, shortlisting, interviews and reference-checking.

“The Board was thrilled with the calibre of applicants and we are very pleased with the outcome” said Mr O’Connor.

Dr Murrihy is an experienced principal who holds a Doctor of Education degree. She will take up her responsibilities in April 2011 and will have plenty to occupy her time - with a lot of work to be completed before the school opens in Term 1 2012. For example, there are a range of operational matters to be decided – the need to appoint top quality staff, develop effective policies, and plan teaching arrangements.

Dr Murrihy is currently Principal at Manunui School near Taumarunui. But she is no stranger to Wellington having graduated with Bachelors and Masters degrees from Victoria University. She also completed her teacher training at Wellington Teachers College.

“I am looking forward to returning to Wellington and taking up this exciting position. We have a unique opportunity, as educators, parents, students and establishment board, to start from the ground up and, together, to develop something very special,” said Dr Murrihy.

Construction of the foundations of the new school building is scheduled to start on 11 November. The design process and building consent filing for Phase 2 – a six- classroom block should be completed by 23 December. Construction of Phase 2 should start from 1 March 2011. The construction of Phase 3 – the Admin / Hall / Classroom Block - should commence by 18 April 2011. Overall construction of the new school should be complete by 21 December 2011.

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