Rubert Jonker

My name is Rubert Jonker, and I am delighted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new principal of Arco Academy! I am thrilled to be joining such a dedicated staff and community that make Arco Academy a great place for students to learn and grow. I look forward to getting to know Arco Academy parents/carers, partner schools and community as we work in partnership to ensure every young person attending Arco Academy thrives and flourishes in all areas of life.

Before my journey as a teacher started, I had a brief spell as a professional rugby league player. However, for the past 10 years, I have worked in specialist education as a leader and a teacher. I also have 10 years’ experience in mainstream education and therefore understand the needs and challenges our students face day in and day out. 

Arco Academy’s sport specialism reminds me of my upbringing where sport was a big part of my educational journey. Through sport I received a great education, it opened doors for me that may not have been there without sport. Sport combined with a great education is the reason I am here at Arco Academy today. I want to ensure we provide similar educational support and opportunities for our students at Arco Academy. 

I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the Arco Academy ‘Wheel of Culture’. We want to unleash the potential we know exists in all our students. We strive to empower our students to be the best version of themselves. We believe that sports participation helps young people develop important skills and enables them to live life to the full (and you don’t need to be a top-class athlete to benefit). Healthy students learn better and are better equipped to deal with situations they find themselves in.

I believe that great schools are a result of great teachers, staff, parents/carers, and community members. Together we will strive to ensure our young people ultimately leave Arco Academy as well-rounded individuals better equipped for the future and able to make a positive contribution to society.