With more than 24 years of experience under his belt, Darren Lawson feels comfortable as he prepares to take the reigns of a new school.
Lawson was appointed the new principal of Australian Christian College (ACC) Moreton in September 2021, taking over from retiring principal Gary Underwood, who had led the school since 2013.
With Term 2 now in full swing, Lawson has taken the time to reflect on his tenure at the school so far and how he plans to integrate himself into the local community.
“My top priorities as the new principal are getting to know the staff, students and families in the school and to continue the school's growth and development into a school of excellence in a low socio-economic area,” Lawson told The Educator.
“We have four streams in Year 7, three streams in Years 8, 9 and 10, and two smaller streams in Years 11 and 12.”
Lawson said this means that as more enrolments come through, ACC will need to expand its subject offerings in Senior School.
“We want to fully cater for all of our students with subject offerings that suit those wanting to study medicine at university, to those wanting to go into trades, apprenticeships and traineeships.”
The school has grown from just over 100 students eight years ago, to nearly 700 on campus and 1,300 in Distance Education today.
Lawson said the school is making significant improvements to facilities with a large new Secondary building coming to completion this year with new Science labs, a Hospitality centre and cafe, and other spacious and modern learning spaces.
Lawson said the new facility will provide the school with the opportunity to provide a greater diversity of subjects, leading to more potential post-school pathways for the students.
“Another area of initial focus will be on continuing to build upon the sound academic foundations through enhanced evidence-based teaching practice.”
David Fyfe, chairman of the school board, said the School Board is excited for what the future might bring under Darren’s leadership.
“He was selected, from a competitive field of excellent candidates, to lead the school community forward,” Fyfe said.
“Darren has a track record of lifting academic standards, growing student enrolments and fostering a caring Christian community.”