Jamie Daff has returned to Rushworth P-12 College as principal, bringing with him extensive experience in education leadership across regional Victoria.

“My first teaching appointment was at Murrayville Community College. I was there for a year, then my wife and myself moved to Kyabram and I taught there for two years,” Mr Daff said.

After this, he spent nine years teaching at Rushworth P-12 College, taking on various leadership roles.

His career path included working with middle leaders in the north-east region, an acting principal role at Byalong Primary and, most recently, a four-year stint as principal at Charlton College.

“Charlton was great, great community, really great staff and kids and there’s some pretty big challenges with a few things that happened, but it was a really good experience and definitely loved it,” he said.

Returning to Rushworth P-12 College, Mr Daff aims to provide stability and support to the school community.

“Coming to Rushworth for me, it is coming in, supporting staff and trying to have someone stable here for a while,” he said.

“Rushworth P-12 College is the sort of place that draws you back.

“I think there are a lot of good things about Rushworth and the school.

“It is, staff-wise, a very supportive environment, everyone looks out for each other, and everyone just wants the best for the kids.”

The school has 167 students and runs several innovative programs, including Food R.O.C.Ks and the Hands-on Practical Education (HOPE) program.

“I think the HOPE program and obviously the Food R.O.C.Ks program are amazing programs that really support the wellbeing of the students,” Mr Daff said.

At Rushworth P-12, from the beginning of Year 9, students spend almost a day a week getting out of the classroom either as part of the HOPE program or the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

These programs allow students to take their learning away from the desk and engage with education in a dynamic, non-traditional way.

The Rushworth Onsite Community Kitchen, or Food R.O.C.Ks program, is run by Rushworth students, for the students, ensuring that every student enrolled at the college can access breakfast, recess snacks and a cooked two-course meal for lunch every day of the week at no cost to families.

Looking ahead, Mr Daff plans to expand the school's offerings.

“We will hopefully start running some VET subjects out of here in the next few years and increase the profile of the VCE classes as well,” he said.

Rushworth P-12 College is committed to building an inclusive and tailored learning environment.

To find out more, phone 03 58561230 or go to www.rushworthp-12.vic.edu.au

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Wednesday, 5th February 2025

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