2020
AROUND THE SCHOOL
GOODBYE MR SCHMIDT The Springfield community farewell incumbent Principal Craig Schmidt at the end of 2021. During his tenure as Principal at the College the school has continued to grow and flourish under his leadership, and through some extreme challenges. In this article, we would like to acknowledge all that Mr Schmidt has accomplished.
MAI THATCHER
springfield marketing & events officer
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oining the Springfield College in May 2012, Craig Schmidt's initial appointment was as Deputy Principal. In this role, he worked to demonstrate his core faith and belief in the benefits of co-education in a Christian centred context. Leading by example, Mr Schmidt worked to instil clear expectations to the students around conduct and behaviour, motivating them to embody the motto of Plus Ultra in all they do. But we should also not forget that prior to this appointment he had spent many years committed to the art of teaching. Qualifying as a PE teacher, his analytical mind gave him an aptitude to teach the most complex of subjects through Specialist Maths classes. He is a highly respected and engaging teacher and many students were saddened when growth at the College meant his time had to become solely focused on his management role. For the past three years Mr Schmidt has faithfully served as Principal at Springfield. During this time Mr Schmidt has led with distinction, strengthening the College’s Christian ethos, developing a vibrant staff
Plus Ultra | November 2021
and student culture, enhancing our sense of community, and overseeing significant facility development. Strong enrolment demand has seen the student population increase by 18%. This growth has been carefully managed making thorough use of existing facilities and with future development planning. The College continues to have a healthy school culture based upon our core values, and the motto Plus Ultra providing a ‘first class’ teaching and learning program creating good learning outcomes as evidenced by our student results. Principal Craig Schmidt managed, as part of a wider team, the construction of new facilities within the College, including the innovative Junior High Precinct which opened in September 2020. This building was designed to give students an inspiring and creative space to learn and collaborate. The precinct is a standing legacy to the St Peters community and future families of Mr Schmidt’s commitment and dedication to provide high quality facilities that support the ethos that ‘every student learns every day’.
