Leading this energetic, talented and diverse community of staff and pupils is an extraordinary privilege. The next generation is growing up in a world full of promise, choice and possibility. They are going on to pursue as yet unimagined careers and will face unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
On a daily basis, I have the pleasure of seeing the students at Stretton State College develop and mature into well-rounded young people and future leaders who will lead the many cultural, artistic, scientific and technological advancements that lie ahead.
In preparing our students to navigate and shape this complex and changing world, we recognise not only the importance of delivering academic excellence, but also of supporting and challenging the students' opinions, promoting independence and global diversity within our community, and nurturing a culture of tolerance, compassion and resilience.
These qualities are key to empowering our students to thrive, both as they live and work alongside their friends and peers at school, and as they go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives beyond.
We unashamedly put the wellbeing of our students on an equal footing with their academic achievements and we are proud to develop intellectually curious, self-motivated and enthusiastic young people. Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, but 'respect', 'sincerity', 'perseverance' and 'integrity' are also words you will hear a lot at the school as we embrace our SPIRIT values.
I have been working in education for over 40 years in a range of state schools. Before coming to Stretton State College in 2009, I was Principal of a number of large High Schools, and before that was Deputy Principal and Head of English in schools in Queensland. I have a wide range of interests including music, walking, reading,entertaining and keeping up with four grandchildren. In 2016, I was honoured to receive the Jack Pizzey Award for Queensland Principal of the Year, and in 2018, I was once again honoured to receive a Churchill Fellowship to visit schools in the US, Canada and UK which promote positive education and student wellbeing.
I am honoured and privileged to be the Executive Principal at Stretton State College. I have devoted my career to the education and wellbeing of young people, believing that teaching is the most worthy of vocations and that a school should be a joyous place of wondrous discovery and vast opportunity.
I look forward to welcoming you into our Stretton family of learners.
Jan Maresca
Executive Principal