From the Principal & Assistant Principal
FAREWELL
As you are aware, this is my final week at Murrumbeena Primary School. I have enjoyed 24 years at Murrumbeena, starting in 1993 as Assistant Principal, and then in 1998 becoming Acting Principal followed by my principal appointment in 1999. There have been many changes over these years, in terms of buildings, grounds, facilities, curriculum and resources. However, what remains constant, and what was strongly reflected by the participants of the 100th anniversary celebrations, is the focus on Murrumbeena’s long held tradition of excellence, pride in the school and sense of belonging.
Murrumbeena Primary School is a wonderful school, and it has been a privilege to play a part in the school community and oversee the growth and development of thousands of children over the past 24 years. My time at Murrumbeena has been the highlight of my career, affording me the opportunity to interact with many wonderful students, dedicated teachers and caring parents. I will miss the daily contacts, teacher collegiality, and the opportunity to share in the students’ achievements. I will treasure those memories. It is now time for me to focus my attention on other interests and pursuits. I would like to thank all the community, past and present, for their wonderful support over the past 24 years and wish you all the best for the future.
STUDENT REPORTS
Mid-Year reports will be distributed on Friday. Further feedback on student achievement and future learning goals will be provided at student-led conferences on 1 August 2017. Further information about these conferences will be forwarded early next term.
END OF TERM
On the last day of term, students are invited to wear casual clothes for a gold coin donation, which will go to State Schools Relief.
School finishes on Friday 30 June at the earlier time of 2.30pm. After school care will operate from this earlier time.
Term three commences on Monday 17 July at 8.55am.
Best wishes for a happy holiday!
Heather Hill
FAREWELL MRS HILL
Murrumbeena Primary School has developed a solid reputation as being a high performing school, one where both staff and students choose to excel. Each week, as prospective parents tour the school, comments are made about the positive feel and tone of Murrumbeena. Creating such a well oiled machine doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a leader with a clear vision who can communicate with, and motivate a whole community to work as a team. It’s our principal, Heather Hill who has guided us all to achieve this goal.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of daily ideas presented by the well intentioned. But collectively, if pursued, these actions become distractions and steer the ship away from its destination. Heather Hill has ensured the school maintains its course by choreographing the moves within the school’s strategic plan in a timely manner.
Everywhere you look, Mrs Hill has supported continuous improvement. Mrs Hill facilitates learning opportunities for teachers to build practice excellence; she ensures classroom strategies are in place to support students to hold high expectations of themselves as learners with a positive growth mindset, and finally she has created a beautiful learning environment where we all want to work and play. It’s through Heather Hill’s leadership that Murrumbeena Primary School has clearly maintained a strong sense of school connection and pride. It’s no wonder she is constantly selected as a ‘principal mentor’ to those new to the role.
After 24 years of dedicated service in the roles of assistant principal and principal, Mrs Hill has decided to retire following a well deserved long service leave holiday.
Heather, we wish you all the very best of health and happiness as you now embark on a new journey, but please know that you will be missed by us all.
Chellee Plumb