New Principal’s Plans For High School

Sandgate District State High School has welcomed a new principal, Andy Stergou. 

Andy was appointed at the start of Term 3 last year. He said he applied for the job after researching the history of the school.

“Sandgate District has had a good standing within the community for sixty years,” Andy said. “The school has catered for a wide and diverse student body and that diversity was one of the draw cards.”

Andy brings more than 20 years teaching experience to the role, with his most recent position being a Deputy Principal at Albany Creek State High School.

He commenced as principal shortly after a Quadrennial School Review.

“The school has undertaken both an internal self-review and external review from the Education Improvement Branch and both have provided our team with some guidance on where we need to focus our energy for the next four years, through our strategic plan,” Andy said.

Strategies include the reintroduction of an academic extension program for gifted students in Year 7 through to Year 10.

“There will also be a review of our day structure to ensure we are able to provide time for staff collaboration, whilst also providing a flexible timetable to cater to the needs of all students,” Andy said.

“Sandgate District State High School is a really good school and we do not communicate and celebrate this as well as we should with our community, so we need to have a huge focus on this.”

In a bid to continue the traditions of the school, Andy has been working with previous principals Phil Campbell and Jeanette Gentle.

“I want to ensure we uphold the high values of our past alumni and staff,” he said. “Both Jeanette and Phil had campaigned for a performing arts centre and I am glad to announce that we have finally got one coming. We had our first architect and project manager meeting with the Department of Education in December.”

Andy said he would be making the big decisions together with his leadership team.

“I have a great community and they are all up for the challenge of where we can take Sandgate District State High School,” he said.