Great Southern Grammar welcomes newly commissioned principal Mathew Irving for the new school year

Great Southern Grammar’s new principal Mathew Irving is ready to lead with “imagination, courage and heart”, taking up the post in time for the new school year.

A special ceremony to welcome Mr Irving was held on February 26, with staff, students and special guests in attendance to witness the commissioning.

He will be the school’s fifth principal since it first opened its doors to students in 1999.

Mr Irving said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead and was dedicated to making a positive impact.

“I’ve been in leadership positions for most of my career,” he said.

“I wanted to have the chance to lead a school to have a positive impact on young people.

“I want to lead with imagination, courage and heart.”

“I want every child to be able to craft their own pathway to success and I want us to support them.”

He brings with him more than two decades of experience as an educator, beginning his career as a teacher in Canberra and further advancing it through experience in the UK.

His previous leadership roles include deputy head of academics and strategy across K-12 at Wesley College.

He has also held the role of director of strategy, director of studies and director of music.

Great Southern Grammar’s chair of the school council Fran Leary said she had the utmost confidence in Mr Irving’s leadership skills and community impact.

“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will have on our students, staff and broader community,” she said.

Mr Irving is passionate about building meaningful relationships with both staff and students and hopes to foster an environment that encourages a culture of continuous learning.

“Everyone is welcome here at grammar,” he said.

“I want every student to have a deep sense of belonging because when they do, they learn best.”