KING Island District High School has appointed Matt Conn as the new acting principal.
While speaking with King Island Community Radio, Matt shared his fascinating journey, starting from his roots in Launceston, to his adventures around the world.
Born and raised in northern Tasmania, Matt’s passion for cycling led him to Belgium in the late ‘90s, where he lived in the Dutch-speaking part, near Ghent, immersing himself in the vibrant cycling culture.
The move was driven by his love for the sport and the opportunity to train with, and be inspired by, some of Belgium’s cycling legends. After Belgium, Matt taught in Peterborough, England, near Cambridge, and then ventured to Italy, where he spent ten years working in an international school.
His time in Italy was focused on work and family, with cycling taking a back seat. From Italy, Matt embarked on a new adventure in China, where he played a key role in establishing an international school in partnership with King’s College Wimbledon.
He found China’s highly valued education system and aspirational families both challenging and rewarding. The decision to return to Tasmania was influenced by the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matt wanted to reconnect with his two older children and seek new opportunities. He briefly taught at Kings Meadows High School in Launceston before landing the role of school principal on King Island.
Despite his extensive travels, Matt found similarities between the close-knit communities he encountered abroad and the tight-knit community of King Island. He appreciates the supportive nature of small communities, where everyone knows each other and lends a helping hand.
As Matt settles into his new role, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a love for cycling, and a deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of the people he meets along the way.
His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the joy of embracing new experiences.