Celebrating our principals - Ben Kleinig
Ben Kleinig is the principal of Manyallaluk School, in the central north of the Big Rivers region. Ben, who never thought he would be a principal when he started out his teaching career, has held the role, living and working in the remote town, for 10 years.
His first teaching job was at Katherine South Primary School. “I felt so lucky to be there,” he said. “It taught me what a good school looks and feels like, and I met many inspirational educators there who set a great example and mentored me.”
As a child, Ben remembers reading his grandpa’s collection of National Geographic magazines, including articles about remote NT towns and East Arnhem land. He says it lit a fire in him, and he knew he wanted to live in the bush. A few years into his career he decided to pursue this dream and took a role as the high-school teacher at Bulman, another remote school in the Big Rivers region.
Only 2 weeks into his first remote teaching job, the then principal went on unexpected and indefinite personal leave. “I was unsure if I should put my hand up for the job, as I didn’t have much knowledge about things like policy, curriculum lingo or the inner workings of the department,” said Ben, thinking back to that time. Ben reached out to a principal he knew to ask his advice, explaining that the school was without a principal, and he would like to help if he could, even if just for a couple of school terms.
“That principal saw potential in me; a growth mindset, a positive attitude, an ability to connect with students and families, and the joy I feel in making learning fun. He offered to mentor me as I learned on the job, and the rest is history.”
Now 10 years into the job at Manyallaluk Ben reflects on his time there, and the experiences he has had.
“Having students come into the school community as small babies and seeing them grow and learn through the various stages of schooling, becoming literate, numerate, compassionate and responsible school leaders, is very special. Some then become colleagues,” he said. He speaks highly of all of his staff complimenting his talented teachers and school staff, and “the students have a real spark and a thirst for learning” he said.
The blended learning and teaching culture of the school is something Ben finds most rewarding. “Combining traditional culture and knowledge with modern curriculum and academic knowledge provides our students with a rich and culturally safe learning environment in which they can thrive.”
It hasn’t been without its challenges says Ben, and he has experienced some negative attitudes around remote schools, remote education and remote learning. “A lot of my leadership has been around proving the negativity wrong. All schools, whether urban or remote, can be excellent places of learning.” Ben believes all educators and school leaders can grow in their teaching craft and leadership. “I think great leaders show vulnerability and admit mistakes; they believe in the power of one small step at a time,” he says.
