[On-screen text: Introducing your new principal]
[Upbeat music plays throughout]
A smiling man comes gradually into focus as he walks towards us.
Marc de Ley (in voice over): Hi, my name is Marc de Ley. I am the new principal of the school to open in Clyde North.
We see Marc walking up a stairway.
[On-screen text: Marc de Ley]
[On-screen text: Alexander Boulevard Primary School (interim name)]
Marc de Ley enters a room and we see him speaking to someone off screen.
[On-screen text: What was your education journey?]
Marc: I was working in the eastern suburbs schools and had worked in a few schools and then there was an opportunity around 2008 to move into a coaching role. After that role finished, I then moved to a leadership position at Lyndhurst Primary School and then into the assistant principal role there.
And Lyndhurst Primary School was also a new school. It was amazing to build a culture and to work with a lot of new young teachers who are all very enthusiastic. And I think it put the seed in my mind then, that if an opportunity ever arose to have the privilege of opening a new school, then that's something I would grasp.
[On-screen text: What is your vision for the school?]
Marc: The excitement around establishing a new culture of a new school is going to be amazing and establishing a very strong student focused and inclusive approach.
In an existing school, you are trying to build on the existing structures and feeling very special to be given the opportunity to be part of the new school in Clyde North. And I think the community are going to be very excited and appreciative of the school.
[On-screen text: What is your approach to education?]
Marc: One that builds confidence in children, a holistic approach, identifies their passions and enables them to succeed. I want to develop an inquiring mind. That children have that ability to ask questions and to be critical in their thinking that they feel happy and safe to come to school.
They enjoy a strong relationship and a caring relationship with their teachers and peers. And if children are happy and engaged, I believe that sets the conditions for learning. And ideally you want children from their primary years to then have a degree of confidence to then move into secondary schooling, to continue to be engaged and then to hone their interests and develop their skills further.
[On-screen text: What type of leader are you?]
Marc: I believe in a collaborative approach that we all work together. I'm very open to learning and I see the challenge of opening a new school as a learning opportunity for myself. So I see myself as a learner. And the expectation is all staff are learners as well. I believe in being approachable and I believe in working hard, being professional, but at the same time being able to have a bit of fun and enjoy ourselves as well.
[On-screen text: What are you looking forward to on day 1, Term 1?]
Marc: In terms of the first day, looking forward to it all coming together and the excitement and pride
I think that we'll all have. Certainly myself as principal, staff, parents and the children as well, to be able to walk into a new building with a new uniform. To experience the learning opportunities that are in store for them moving throughout the year.
A white background appears with the VSBA and Victoria State Government logos.
[On-screen text: www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au]
A black background appears and white text appears.
[On-screen text: Authorised by The Victorian School Building Authority, 33 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne]
[Transcript ends]
Updated