We spend five minutes with St Therese’s School Principal, David Adams-Jones, to find out more about what he hopes to achieve at the Bentley Park primary, what motto he lives by and what makes him most proud to be the leader of his school community. 

What do you hope to achieve in your role as principal?

My dream is our students have a strong sense of belonging, becoming and being part to our family at St Therese’s School and that they have a strong sense of becoming and believing in themselves because the journey of life has many possibilities and opportunities, hence I want our students to seize them all!  

What makes you most proud to be the leader of your school community?

Honestly, when I think of what makes me most proud of being a learner and leader at St Therese’s School is the colossal effort our teachers and staff, including our tuckshop and grounds person, put forth every day to ensure our students have what they need to learn and to be successful. The staff at St Therese’s are truly amazing! Every day, I see their genuine love for our students who are our sons and daughters too, the way they positively approach daily challenges, the way they laugh, celebrate and support each other, the way they work in tandem with our families, and their sense of community attending many after-hour functions, science shows, school musicals, and events are simply awe-inspiring to say the least!  

What makes a great teacher?

Great teachers are everyday people who are inviting, loving, approachable, enthusiastic, caring, committed and reflective. Great teachers have trusting relationships with their students and that flows onto helping our students be the best version of themselves! Our great teachers believe in our students and never give up! 

How did your education shape you to be the person you are today?

There is no doubt that my Catholic education influenced me to be the person I am today, and I am eternally grateful to my mother for ensuring I had 12 years of an inspiring education. My family and schooling shaped me, providing me with a strong sense of values and beliefs.  

What motto, affirmation or prayer do you live by?

To inspire our students to be the best version of themselves!  

Verse – Bible – Micah 6:8 

We are called to act with justice, we are called love tenderly and called to walk humbly with our God! 

What is the highlight of your career so far as principal?

There are many highlights, but two that come to mind are: our Year Six students are on the interview panels for employment of new inspiring teachers at our school. Our Year Five students engaging in citizenship by reading to pre-schoolers in local childcare centres. These two creative strategies not only ensure we are developing the voice of our future leaders, but our students have a sense of belonging to a greater community. Now, that is the spirit of learning. 

What do you think are the most important values a principal should uphold?

I believe there are numerous values a principal should uphold, but these are my top three. Firstly, be passionate – I am very passionate about what I do and journeying with St Therese’s community is an amazing adventure and thrilling ride! 

As a principal being transparent creates honesty and trust which in turn gathers people around you in a collaborative and supportive way.  

Finally, love, in everything you do, that creates a sense of belonging, becoming and being the best version of yourself!  

Find out more about St Therese’s School, Bentley Park.