From School Council

A NOTE FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT IN MEMORY OF LYNNE FOSTER

It is with a truly heavy heart that I write to you about the tragic loss of our wonderful principal, Lynne Foster.  

For parents on school council, you get to know the principal, and I got to work very closely with Lynne. She was in her element as principal, and really shone in the role.  

Lynne was always calm; nothing seemed to phase her.  Without fail, she listened to suggestions from anyone in the school community and acted quickly in response to new ideas.  

Lynne worked night and day and throughout the school holidays and, at times last year, 7 days a week for the school.  She loved her job, her staff, and the children.  

Lynne was also an excellent manager, able to make decisions when needed, and was ideally suited to the role of principal.  She and Chellee Plumb worked very closely and they were a strong and efficient team who seemed to communicate effortlessly with each other and, more often than not, had a laugh at the same time.  Lynne had a very balanced view of the world and people, and a real kindness in her soul.

Lynne was a visionary leader of our school.  Although Murrumbeena was already a highly ranked school when she arrived, Lynne saw some areas for growth and believed the school could be even more excellent. I got to participate with Lynne in the extensive 3-day review process in 2019 where the Department of Education reviewed the school. A massive amount of work was done beforehand, and it was an extraordinarily thorough process. I was impressed with how Lynne was so eager and open to hear of any suggestions that could help our school improve, even though we already ranked so highly in all areas.  

In her time as principal, she brought about many improvements at our school, with the introduction of new programs for the children, as well as changes with the buildings and infrastructure. 

The most visible is the transformation of our aged historic building into a modern, contemporary facility.  It was Lynne’s drive that got us the grants from government to do the extensive repairs and renovations to the school.  For example, the top floor in the original building was unused and very run down.  Extensive renovations of that space have meant that our school will have a new Japanese classroom, a new staffroom and space for after school sessions.  The top floor is going to be beautiful, with its heritage features preserved and highlighted, and it was Lynne who enabled all of this to happen. 

Lynne was very proud of Murrumbeena Primary School and knew she had a talented team of teachers and staff.  

I know that this is a huge loss for our teachers, staff and children, and I hope they can bear up in what is already a difficult year. 

It is certainly a huge loss for me personally. I loved working with Lynne on school council and will miss her so much.  

Lynne was a ladylike gentlewoman, a highly competent principal, up for a chat at any time and always with that twinkle in her eyes.  We are so fortunate to have had Lynne in our lives and she leaves a profound legacy for our school.

Sandra Maxfield

President MPS School Council