Gungahlin College principal appointed

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 21 June, 2010 - 14:02

Gai Beecher will be the inaugural principal of the new $72.4 million Gungahlin College.

Gungahlin College opens next year and will accommodate 900 students. Year 11 students will be enrolled in the College in 2011 with Year 12 students to follow in 2012.

Gungahlin College will set a benchmark for public colleges in the ACT and is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to build new schools where they are needed most.

The announcement of Gai Beecher as principal of Gungahlin College is another step in the Government’s commitment to high quality public education for all Canberrans.

Ms Beecher has a wealth of experience in education in the ACT. She started her teaching career in Canberra in 1983 specialising in mathematics, science and information technology. As well as having posts as a classroom teacher in a number of ACT high schools and colleges, she has also had several leadership positions, including Deputy Principal of Telopea Park School and Copland College and most recently as the principal of Campbell High School.

Ms Beecher is passionate about public education and was a finalist for Outstanding Principal in the ACT 2010 Public Education Awards. She also holds a Masters degree in Information Technology. I congratulate Ms Beecher on her appointment and have every confidence in her leadership of the new college.

Ms Beecher said she is excited to be taking the position as principal. “Gungahlin College is a fantastic facility for teaching and learning in the 21^st century and the college will form an important hub in the Gungahlin community,” she said. “I am looking forward to working towards the college forming important partnerships with the Canberra community, but also other schools in the ACT region as well as schools, colleges and universities nationally and internationally.”

Gungahlin College features the latest in sustainable design and includes flexible learning hubs for students, a media centre with TV and photography studios, a performing arts theatre with dance and drama studios, high standard music and arts facilities, a mechatronics suite and computer networking laboratory as well as a full commercial kitchen, and wireless technology.

The college will also include a CIT Learning Centre and a library and gymnasium which will be available for community use.