The Minister for Education the Hon. Adrian Piccoli was in Cobar yesterday to make a special presentation to Cobar High School principal Sue Francisco, who is soon to retire.
In 1982, Sue Kelsey (as she was known then) commenced her career as a young English teacher at Cobar High School.
In 1986 she was promoted to Head Teacher of English and in 1996 she became the school’s Deputy Principal.
In 2010 Mrs Francisco was promoted to principal and currently holds the dual role of Principal and Principal School Leadership.
Throughout her career, Mrs Francisco has focused on innovation and how to improve teaching and learning in rural education.
She is the longest serving teacher, deputy principal and principal in the history of Cobar High School.
She married a local, made Cobar her home and has raised her family here.
Mr Piccoli said Mrs Francisco is well liked and respected in the community and is referred to by many as the single biggest educational influence in Cobar High School history.
Beyond Cobar High School Mrs Francisco’s contributions have included: contributing to the Country Areas Program (CAP), by providing succinct advice about schools’ needs and leading professional learning and providing support for deputy principals across the previous Western Region.
She has been recognised with life membership from the both the Western NSW and NSW Deputy Principal associations.
Mrs Francisco has been active in the Secondary Principal’s Council and has served as chair of the Secondary Principal’s Council Rural Education reference group.
She also helped to ensure the Bourke School Group (which incorporates Cobar High School) was an effective and collegial group, bringing together staff in remote schools to support each other.
Mrs Francisco has also relieved as the Director, Public Schools NSW.
Outside of school, she has been an active and involved member of the local community in the areas of netball, fundraising, as well as participating in a range of community events.
