Paul Baxter
Dear parents, carers and students
I have been a part of the Port Stephens community for many years and I am now the proud Principal at Tomaree High School.
I have a strong belief in the public education system, and I am proud to be providing your children with the grounding for a great education. My own experience as a public-school student in a mid-western country town of NSW provided me with the privilege of a good education and I am now able to do the same for future generations.
My family and I are proud to be part of the Port Stephens community. My wife and I are a busy family with four children, two of whom attend Tomaree High School and the other two in our local public primary school.
I served as a Deputy Principal at Tomaree High School before accepting the position of Principal at Irrawang High School in 2015 and I am delighted to be back at Tomaree High School in 2022. I have had significant role models in my life including the influence of my hard-working parents - father Michael, a builder, and special education teaching mother Denise. They taught me a great deal, most significantly, to always do the best you can, to leave a place in a better condition than when you arrived and to treat people with respect.
I believe that all students should be given the opportunities to excel in their chosen field, whether that be education, sport, the creative arts or culture. Students need a sense of belonging and I know we have the collective support of teachers and staff at Tomaree to help guide them along the way.
I want parents and carers to know you have a voice in the education of your child at Tomaree High School. I am always open to innovative ideas and possibilities. I look forward to building strong relationships with our school and community to make Tomaree High School the school of choice.