With a proven record of academic excellence, we chat to Stuart Meade, Principal at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, to find out more about life at this leading Sunshine Coast College.
Can you tell us a little about the philosophy of Flinders?
Flinders’ role is to educate for excellence in academics while developing and nurturing the young hearts and minds entrusted to it. Our vision is for all our students to become empowered citizens with the desire and skills to make a positive contribution in the wider world.
What makes the Flinders experience different from other schools?
There is a very positive and supportive culture here at Flinders. Throughout the College, there is great mutual respect between staff and students, which leads to high levels of engagement, support and effort, and underpins our successes. Parents are also welcomed into the Flinders community and the contributions made by all parties are valued highly.
Flinders’ core values are Respect, Integrity, Courage and Compassion and these are woven into daily practices throughout the College. We aim for our graduates to be good citizens and to know their place in the wider world and their responsibilities to it.
In today’s world, what skills do you feel are essential for children to take away from school?
As a College, we believe it is important to cultivate in each student a love of learning, a spirit to achieve mastery and personal best, and the character, integrity and qualities of leadership to shape our world.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Principal?
I enjoy the daily interactions with students. Our students are overwhelmingly positive, engaging and friendly.
What do you least enjoy about being Principal?
The level of bureaucracy, which now lands on my desk, takes me away from the thing that I enjoy most – see above!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I read a lot, mainly books and articles associated with my job. I love the outdoors so any time I get to walk along the beach with our dogs or simply relax with family and friends is enjoyable.
Can you tell us about your proudest moment as Principal of the school?
There are many moments when students achieve beyond expectations, which confirm that our teachers are making a positive difference. I am very proud of that. I also take reflected pride in the moments when teams or groups perform well and know their efforts are worthwhile.
Can you tell us something about the school that people might not know?
This year we will start major building works as part of our five-year Master Plan to provide new agile, contemporary learning spaces equipped with modern technology that enable our students to learn 21st century skills like creativity, collaboration and innovation. We are also looking forward to celebrating our College’s 30-year anniversary in 2020.
Can you tell us something about yourself that people might not know?
I would love to have a ‘College dog’ on campus each day to bring comfort and joy to the students… I am working on it!
What defines a Flinders student?
Students at Flinders have a wonderful zest for life. They are each striving, in their respective fields, to explore their potential and to embrace the many academic, sporting, arts, music and community-service opportunities available to them through our College community. Our hope is that all our students will be people of courage, respect, compassion and integrity who demonstrate confidence, persistence and resilience in this fast-changing and information-rich world.
Can you describe the school in three words…
Compassionate, dynamic and respectful.
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