A DAY IN THE LIFE - Joy Craig

RIDING 160km in a day on a horse might sound pretty tough to most people, but not to Joy Craig, who spends her work days in charge of Warwick's largest school.

Principal of Warwick State High School, Mrs Craig divides her busy schedule between her love of education and her love of horses. "I grew up in a non-horsey family," she said.

"But I pestered my dad until he got me one.

"And I had horses until I left for uni after school."

Born in Penrith, Mrs Craig spent her early years in Sydney before the family moved to Robertson in the southern highlands of New South Wales.

"We lived on 65 acres with a few cattle, it was a bit of a hobby farm," he said.

"It was a lovely place to grow up but freezing cold."

At 17, Mrs Craig ventured to uni in Sydney before her family moved to Queensland and she followed them. She enrolled in a Bachelor of Education at Queensland University of Technology, focussing on physical education and history.

"I graduated and in 1989 had my first teaching post at Mabel Park State High School," Mrs Craig said.

"It was a very diverse school and very challenge but ultimately so rewarding.

"As a young teacher I had the opportunity to become involved in so many aspects of school life - sports teams, school camps," she said.

Mrs Craig said she had a sporty upbringing.

"I played soccer and tennis," she said.

"I was good at most sports without being outstanding at any of them.

"I was very inspired by people like Cliff Young, homegrown heroes who just got in and had a go.

"That's what I tried to do, and I'd like to think I'm still doing that."

Mrs Craig took part in the WHS cross country last week, running four kilometres with the under 16 years age group.

"I try to lead by example and be seen to be having a go," she said.

"As for teaching, I was certainly inspired by my own teachers at school and it helped that I loved learning.

"Teaching gave me the opportunity to be proactive.

"Have an input into how children are going to develop, there's no greater job and it's really exciting."

After taking her first principalship at Clifton State High School in 2010, Mrs Craig spent six years in charge, before heading up the consultation process to split Toowoomba State High School in two in early 2016.

When a vacancy became available at WSHS, she applied, was awarded the position and began in October 2017.

"It's a permanent position and a privilege," she said.

"Although I don't think I'll be able to break Mr Hamilton's record.

"He was principal here from 1914 to 1948."

Then in her spare time, Mrs Craig has her horses.

"I compete in endurance riding," she said.

"This weekend I have an 80km event in Tenterfield.

"My horse Jupiter, is my mate, we spend so much time together.

"I love the challenge and the freedom on those long rides."