Members Statement – 13/12/2017
First is Jack Fisher, the principal at Oakleigh primary. I have worked really closely with Jack over the last three years, particularly regarding developing the school’s new master plan. It is sad to see him go, because when the school moves to the next stage — and it will — it will have Jack’s fingerprints all over it. Then there is Craig Tanner from Hughesdale Primary School. Craig has been a really passionate advocate for his school for so many years. It was a real pleasure to see that we were able to achieve his goal of an upgrade in his final year.
And last is Michael McCarthy, the assistant principal at Carnegie Primary School. Michael and the principal, Linda, work so well as a team, and it was through their guidance and support that we were able to achieve the major upgrade at the school. I will certainly miss his bubbly enthusiasm, but I know he will be back to see the fruition of his hard work when the upgrade is complete.
These are just a few staff members who I have worked closely with over the last three years, as well as Heather Hill from Murrumbeena Primary School, who left a few months ago and who I paid tribute to earlier this year. I know there are many other school staff who are also retiring this year. I wish all the teachers and staff retiring the very best for the future, and I thank them sincerely for their service. Without their passion our education system as we know it would not exist.