Meet Leanne Evans
Founding Principal of Clyde Grammar
Clyde Grammar’s Founding Principal, Leanne Evans, faced some unique pressures when opening the school three years ago, not the least of which was adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the days of virtual lessons now behind her, Mrs Evans is focused on making Clyde Grammar, located in Mirvac’s Smiths Lane community in Melbourne’s southeast, a welcoming and inclusive place that delivers high-quality, affordable education embedded within Christian faith and values.
We caught up with Leanne to learn more.
As founding principal, how did you approach setting up the new school? What’s your vision for what you want it to become?
When you’re a Founding Principal, there are a lot of decisions that fall on you to make, from deciding what the uniform will look like to what the guiding vision and values of the school will be. So, you certainly feel the pressure to get it right. And if you don’t get everything right, you learn and evolve.
I am very proud of the vision and values of the school. We encourage young people to be curious and confident, creative, and critical thinkers. By setting high expectations and standards, we help to nurture lifelong learners who are independent, collaborative, and resilient.
What is the school experience like for students of Clyde Grammar?
I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we will never be a big school. That allows us to build relationships with children and really discover their niche. For example, even though I’m the Principal, I still teach Foundation students once a week so that I know every new school student in the school, and they know me.
As a co-educational, non-denominational school we embrace Christian values. At the same time, our education programs continually evolve to remain relevant and forward looking, and we foster a nurturing environment that values inclusion and diversity.
What motivated you to become an educator?
I love working with children, they give you energy that you don't get from anywhere else. And obviously every child is different, but one of the big thrills of teaching and guiding children is helping them to discover who they are and finding out what they’re good at. I want them to love primary school and find their unique strengths so that they’re equipped for high school and whatever they want to do in life after that.
Was there a teacher that made an impact on your life?
I went to a small school in a small town, and it was my Year 4 teacher Mrs Russell that was the first teacher that I felt really understood who I was and saw me not just as a student but as a person. I think that’s so important because once you get to know a student and they get to know you, everything is so much easier. Kids want to learn, and they want to do their best to show you that they’re learning.
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