Wagin District High School principal Tracy Pickering makes unforeseen temporary departure

Wagin District High School has been left without a permanent principal just days before the start of the school year.

School principal Tracy Pickering wrote a letter to parents on Sunday informing them she had been appointed acting principal of Merredin College for the coming school term.

In the letter, Ms Pickering apologised for the late notice.

“The late confirmation of the Merredin College appointment has been a bit of a whirlwind and certainly this is not the ideal way I wanted to let staff, students, parents or the community know,” she said.

Ms Pickering indicated she planned to return to the school, though a return date was not specified.

“The opportunities to gain insight into running a larger school context will be advantageous in providing greater opportunities for the Wagin District High School students and staff,” she said.

“Throughout the term I will continue to liaise with the leadership team and staff and look forward to seeing the school continue to flourish in 2022.”

The school’s deputy principal for primary school Amber Ward will act as principal for term one, with teacher Nicole Ward taking on deputy principal duties three days a week.

Students will return to classes on Monday.