From the Acting Principal

A TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL PRINCIPAL

Mrs Lynne Foster: principal, mentor, colleague and friend to so many in the education world. Mrs Foster commenced her career in education as an assistant at Silverton and Maralinga primary schools. 

Her passion for quality education soon saw her gaining her first teaching post at Milleara Primary School and then Southern Cross Primary, before gaining a permanent position at Patterson Lakes Primary School. It was during her seven years at Patterson Lakes that Lynne’s professional prowess grew, along with her reputation, and Clayton South Primary School was quick to engage Mrs Foster who saw her knowledge and expertise in teaching students with English as a second language (ESL) as an asset suited to their school.

By now, Lynne was formally recognised by the Education Department as an ‘expert’ teacher and being a person who enjoyed the challenges of change and continued professional learning, she took up a teaching position at Hughesdale Primary School. 

Each school provides its own set of cultural contexts, qualities and even challenges, but at each school Lynne excelled by taking on a range of responsibilities, including English and ESL Leader, assessment and data leader and was always the first to offer assistance, promote collegiality and lead the way.

Mrs Foster was always in tune with those around her. She picked up on their social and emotional needs, as well as the educational. It didn’t matter whether you were a student, colleague or parent, Lynne was ready to lend an ear to those needing a chat or a helping hand. She was an easy person to talk to. Many teachers will tell you that they went to see her to ask a quick question and came away feeling totally refreshed after having shared with her so much more. She listened and guided people to realise their own answers.

Mrs Foster was displaying all the qualities of an outstanding educational leader at an early age. She prioritised personal development and a focus on developing others; she encouraged strategic thinking, valued innovation, she was civil minded and acted ethically. 

Hughesdale couldn’t keep Lynne long, as Clayton South Primary was calling her back and she soon became an Assistant Principal class officer. Mrs Foster’s attention soon turned to fine tuning her leadership qualities from leading teaching teams to leading at the whole school level. To extend her professional knowledge and expertise, Mrs Foster gained an assistant principal appointment at Malvern Primary School, but within a very short time, Lynne found herself unexpectedly thrown into an acting principal role. While her learning curve was steep in a new school and a new role, she took to the challenge with grace, professionalism and dedication.

In July of 2017, it was Murrumbeena Primary which was fortunate to have Mrs Foster join us to lead our school.

From the moment Mrs Foster stepped into Murrumbeena Primary School, the place was buzzing with a new energetic vibe. I’m quite sure her iwatch would verify her thousands of steps every day as she moved from classroom to classroom, becoming involved in the teaching and learning, and numerous activities across the school. 

Lynne believed in student agency. She wanted students to love learning as much as she did, and in order to achieve that, she knew that students needed to become involved in their own learning pathways making decisions around the directions they take. Soon, students would be lining up at Lynne’s door to share with her an idea they had to make the school an even better place.

Mrs Foster was committed to the school’s International Baccalaureate vision and worked with members of our school community to create a school mission that reflected not only the IB philosophy, but a commitment to exemplary teaching; teaching that nurtures students’ curiosity and a desire to inquire into the world and its people. 

Mrs Foster also recognised and appreciated the rich history of our beautiful 104 year old school. She acknowledged the many contributions made by past parents, students and staff and while recognising the importance of tradition, Mrs Foster facilitated professional learning and growth in the staff to ensure our school provides students with a contemporary and fulfilling education.

Lynne Foster will always be remembered for the wonderful educator and person she was; a person who somehow remembered all those special occasions, found joy in welcoming new families into the school and started every day in the yard surrounded by the smiles and conversations of our school community. 

Lynne created a school with a strong sense of connectedness, inclusivity and belonging. This is her legacy which will live on.

On behalf of the Murrumbeena Primary School community, we extend our deepest condolences to Lynne’s husband, John Foster and their children, Lee and Emma at this sad time. We know the deep sadness of these early days, but her family will gain strength from, and very much appreciate, the heartfelt messages our community has shared via the padlet link. May you enjoy the special memories your family created together and feel comforted in the knowledge that Lynne touched the hearts of those around her in so many ways.

Chellee Plumb