Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon doesn’t believe a child should be judged by the shoes they wear, the colour of their hair, or a piercing in their nose.
Mr O’Hanlon, this week named Queensland’s principal of the year, believes respect for others and self belief are traits which will lead to success in any young person’s life.
It sounds like the plot of a Karate Kid movie.
But for students graduating from Beenleigh High at a time when jobs are scarce, it’s as real as it gets.
Above the door of Mr O’Hanlon’s office reads a sign: “We care.”
“I have to say it,” he says of the motto. “Because it’s written above the door.” A wry grin appears on his experienced face.
When Mr O’Hanlon arrived at the school, numbers were dwindling. Over the past seven years, they’ve risen by about 100 each year. There are now about 1300 students at the school.
If caring is all it takes, it’s why during his time at the school, Mr O’Hanlon has overseen the set up of a fully-functioning commercial kitchen which serves breakfast every Wednesday, and other days for special functions.
It’s why the school continues with its agriculture program with 50 head of cattle, sheep, chickens, bees, macadamia nut trees and vegetable gardens.
It’s why the school is able to successfully include 200 special education students into their curriculum, and why multiculturalism is a celebration.
It’s why almost every big brand name in Beenleigh plays some role in the sustainability and growth of the school.
Mr O’Hanlon is not your typical modern principal.
He’s an old footballing teacher who has taken his family all over Queensland. Â He has a dodgy knee and he doesn’t mind a punt on a Saturday with a cold beer and clearly speaks his colloquial mind.
But he’s also a highly-skilled leader who hand-picks the majority of his staff and articulates to the school community – staff, students and parents – his expectations.
“I tell them (students) when they get here that we are all about their education and that includes modeling good behaviour and working with their parents.
“And I tell them that it is important to respect our staff and our school because in the long-term that benefits us all.”
Mr O’Hanlon is very much aware that reputation is everything, as is an enjoyable education for the many children who will be looking for jobs at the end of the year.
The relationships with local business will take care of many in the form of apprenticeships. Others will move to university.
They’re the same students who, while walking around the school grounds, are clearly proud of their principal.
“Congratulations, sir,” many of them say with a genuine smile.
“Thank you very much,” Mr O’Hanlon says humbly to each.
Beenleigh State High School was also a awards finalist for its Reading Program, which Mr O’Hanlon said was disappointing not to win due to the significant difference it’s made in student lives over a long period of time.
Picture: Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon with wife Donna and mother Carmel.
