Mr David Grimes is the Assistant Principal (Curriculum) of St Joseph's College, Coomera and commenced duty in July 2018.
David has most recently served as a consultant with Independent Schools Queensland, supporting a wide range of schools in developing teacher leaders and fostering a culture of teacher performance and development focused on student outcomes. Prior to moving to Queensland with his family he worked in Catholic schools in the United Kingdom and held the positions of Assistant Principal and Acting Deputy Principal. David was also seconded to Edge Hill University as Senior Lecturer in Professional Development.
David holds a MA Education from Edge Hill University, a Bachelor of Arts (2.1 Hons) in History from Lancaster University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Leeds University. He also holds the National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
I am excited and privileged to be appointed Assistant Principal (Curriculum) at St Joseph's College, Coomera. I intend to embody the belief that we are part of God's creative process, fulfilling the potential of each individual to make the world a better place. I will support the ethos of the College by integrating gospel values including tolerance, honesty, forgiveness and compassion in my practice and putting Christ at the centre of all I do. I believe that education is about the growth and development of the whole person, 'I have come so that you might have life: life in all its fullness' (John 10:10) – thus education is for life; it aims to provide a framework for living. Excellence and ethos are symbiotic, in this way all students at St Joseph's College will be encouraged to maximise their own God-given talents.
In his own words . . . .
"I aim to integrate social, moral, spiritual and cultural development to enable students to flourish and grow for the common good. I will foster a faith community by developing positive relationships between the home, college and parish. I look forward to working alongside the Foundation Principal, Paul Begg, and the senior leadership team in shaping and enhancing the Catholic identity of the College based around the motto 'Courage to Love, Learn and Serve' that is embedded in the service and action of St Mary of the Cross.
We are committed to providing a holistic education for every child at St Joseph's which will enable them to serve others and make a significant contribution to society. We believe that a broad and balanced curriculum will afford students experience, not only in academic subjects, but also in sport, the creative arts and technology. We recognise that all children have individual needs and abilities and therefore will tailor our curriculum to address the individual child. A high priority will be given to the progressive development of cross-curricular skills and attributes, including teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. We aim to encourage students to become independent and resilient learners in order to thrive in a college environment and the wider community.
I am passionate about learning and teaching and look forward to helping to cultivate a creative professional learning community for staff to enhance student learning and wellbeing. I have an unrelenting focus on quality and relish the opportunity of being part of the foundation leadership team at St Joseph's College and espousing the values of excellence, integrity, justice and hope."