An inaugural ‘Head of Village’ has been appointed for the new Catholic Northern Adelaide Education & Community Services Village, which is set to open at Davoren Park in 2022.
Mrs Kelly Bunyon will lead the first Catholic school within the Village, that will cater for 65 young people when the school opens in 2022. This number is expected to grow to 195 students by 2027.
The fee-free school will support young people aged 17-24 who are experiencing social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, with special programs to support their learning and development.
Ms Bunyon will play an instrumental role in developing and establishing the school, which will support the wellbeing, needs and aspirations of vulnerable young people and their families in the Playford area by providing new opportunities for learning, work and community participation.
Kelly brings extensive experience in working with young people, coming from her current position as the Deputy Principal and Operations Manager of SA-based Youth Inc, that also offers an alternative learning approach to young people aged 17-24, and was formerly the Centre Coordinator at the Elizabeth South Community Centre. With qualifications in law and teaching, Kelly has had diverse and successful experience in advocating for young people and creating transformational learning experiences for those experiencing disadvantage.
“I am delighted to welcome Kelly to Catholic Education South Australia”, said Dr Neil McGoran, Director, Catholic Education South Australia.
“I am confident that her deep faith, extensive career in supporting young people, and strong commitment to social justice will enable Kelly to successfully lead the Village.”
Kelly said she looks forward to the amazing opportunity to be a part of something from the very beginning.
“I am looking forward to working with people who have been dreaming of this Vision for the North coming to life for a long time. I can’t wait to meet and speak with people from Davoren Park and surrounding areas about what they need, want, and dream of the Village being, and then building that together.”
“The people of the northern suburbs of Adelaide are wonderful. There are stories of success, loyalty, authenticity and encouragement woven into the everyday lives of the community. There are also stories of disadvantage, challenge, and enormous resilience. When this community bands together, incredible things happen.”
Kelly said the first thing that attracted her to the role was the uniqueness of the Village’s vision.
“This is a genuinely different approach to some well-known challenges. There is so much possibility, energy and positivity in the Village approach. Add to that the joy of working with students who are not required to be at school, but instead choose to engage out of personal drive and passion, there is nothing better.”
“I love people and working together to achieve more than is possible alone. Working with young adults is always inspiring because of their unique perspectives and to be a part of an individual’s journey is a privilege.”
Kelly will commence at the beginning of the 2021 school year in this significant leadership role for young people and families in Northern Adelaide.
With many Year 12 students participating in exams it’s a timely reminder to us all to think about how we can effectively support our young people.
