Principal's Message

Whilst I have only barely scratched the surface of getting to know the school and community, I can already say that I am incredibly impressed and excited about Newport Gardens!

A little bit of information about me: I started my teaching career at North Fitzroy Primary School in 2004 which was a great place for me to establish excellence in my teaching practice. Upon moving to Strathmore Primary School in 2011, I started in the role of a classroom-based Leading Teacher, prior to then becoming Assistant Principal, and then Principal from the middle of 2018. As Principal, I was able to build a positive culture for learning and wellbeing to see the school achieving at the highest levels on annual performance reports.

My personal values are Character, Agency, Synergy, Efficacy, and Equity and I am passionate about education and leading school improvement. I have high expectations for all students and am driven by the fact that all humans are capable of agency in their learning and life trajectory as valuable and active members of society. I have extensive experience in developing and leading progressive and innovative whole-school curriculum and assessment practices and creating an inclusive and positive environment and culture for learning and wellbeing. I place great emphasis on ensuring the development of a learning community in which critical and creative thinking are practiced by both students and staff to create an inclusive, positive, engaged and inspiring learning culture.

I am a Fitzroy supporter (these days that’s the Brisbane Lions and Fitzroy FC in the VAFA). I enjoy a round of golf; not only for the sport itself but also because of the typically beautiful locations where courses are located. I love the Australian outdoors and like to take family trips where a 4WD is necessary to reach a remote location! As a true child of Generation X, I enjoy reading a great novel and listening to a great full-length album! I have two children who attend a local primary school near where I live (one in Year 4 and one in Prep/Foundation) and my partner also works at the school as a teacher. Most of my time away from work is spent with my family as we enjoy sharing adventures and activities together.

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone more and I am excited the work ahead at Newport Gardens PS! I can already tell that it is a school that is incredibly well run with great people across the board.

Peter Olm (B.Ed, M.Ed)
Principal - Newport Gardens Primary School