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Neerim School Reopens, Lisa Williamson appointed as principal to revitalise rural education after four-year closure

Neerim District Rural Primary School reopens in 2024 with 13 students, led by experienced educator Lisa Williamson. The Allan Labor Government supported its revival following community interest after being non-operational since 2019.

By news@gippsland - 18th December 2024 - Back to News

Neerim District Rural Primary School has appointed a new principal, as the school gets ready to open its doors for the first time since 2019 thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced Lisa Williamson is set to lead the rural school, which has a total of thirteen students enrolled so far for next year.

Neerim District Rural Primary School, founded in 1993 on Nayook Primary historic 1895 site, reopens following 2023 community consultations

Lisa leads revival

Lisa's early years were spent in Poowong East as the daughter of a dairy farmer. She attended the local rural primary school there for two years before moving across state to the Western District. The newly developed dairy settlement and town called Simpson is where Lisa spent the rest of her school years. Lisa's early twenties saw her travelling around the world before settling back in Gippsland with her husband and four children.

Lisa has been strongly grounded in the area ever since. Lisa comes to the role with over 33 years of teaching experience in a broad cross section of schools - international, interstate, metropolitan, rural, independent, and Catholic. She has taught students from all ages throughout her career, from early childhood through to year 12.

Neerim District Rural Primary School opened in 1993 following a merger. It opened on the former Nayook Primary site which dates back to 1895. The school has been non-operational since the end of 2019 but was never formally closed. In late 2023, Labor Government-led consultation with the Neerim community identified growing interest in reopening the school.

School reopening milestone

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said, "Small schools play such an important role in our rural and regional communities. I'm thrilled Neerim District Rural Primary School will reopen in 2025, continuing its long history in the local community."

Lisa Williamson said, "This reopening marks a new beginning that will allow us to deliver the intimacy of small classrooms where we can cultivate a nurturing learning environment that fosters both academic success and personal development."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "This is such an important milestone for local families who are choosing public education. Congratulations to Lisa Williamson on her appointment and I look forward to working with her in the future."

Pictures from Nayook/NDR Primary School Community Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com