Message from the Assistant Principal

To the community of Malvern Primary School,

It is with much sadness and the heaviest of hearts, that I write to inform the community of Malvern Primary School, that the end is nigh and I will be taking extended leave from MPS. My family and I have been presented with an exciting opportunity in Singapore, via my wife’s work and we will be moving there at the end of the year. In the best interests of the school, always, I have decided to take leave, effective at the end of this term, with the view to navigate some medical matters and my children completing their school years. This will allow my wife to set up our new home base in Singapore. I will still be around the traps as a parent for a while.

Malvern Primary School has been the most enormous and essential part of my life, for as long as I care to remember, 41 years in fact. For those who may not be aware, I am Malvern Primary School alumni, having attended the school between 1985 and 1991. I still treasure those formative days of my life. The effort and care that teachers extended daily, to make us feel safe and that we mattered, are traits that inspired me to pursue teaching as a career.

In 2002, in the biggest stroke of luck, which I didn’t really appreciate at the time, I was appointed as a graduate teacher at Malvern Primary School, by my old principal, the late Kevin Ryan. Surely he would be the only person still here from my days as a student. As I posed for my first staff photo, I was astounded by the number of teachers that were “still here” some 11 years on. At first I thought this to be unusual, asking myself, am I destined to be here forever? What I learned, is the magic and the unique qualities of Malvern Primary School, that not only as a past student, embarking on his teaching journey, draw you back, but as an educator, make it so you never want to leave.

I have been so incredibly blessed, to operate in most positions at MPS. From Year 5 to PE, Year 6 to Year 4, ultimately ending up as an AP. Jeepers, I have even dabbled in some Mandarin and STEM along the way. What has always blown me away, is that the culture of learning, regardless of your role, is so inherent in every facet of the journey. This is testament to the home/school relationship, that is so strong and underpins the quality of the school.

My greatest achievement at Malvern Primary School, is being the proud parent of two boys, Bodhi and Finn, that I can say, got to enjoy the magic that is this place. To be allowed and privileged enough to present all the opportunities to my boys, that this place offers, I couldn’t be more grateful. From Year 4, 5 and 6 camps, to Ski Camp, HPR, Glee Club, NT Trips and countless other programs that are run by our amazing staff, to provide the best holistic learning experience to our children, I couldn’t be more thankful.

To the parent community, that engages so wholeheartedly with the school; learning, fundraising, support and volunteerism, I thank you for all the support and care you have offered me over so many years, most recently as an Assistant Principal. As much as you may not have always agreed with me, or seen it my way, the respectful manner with which you have allowed me to “do my best”, is most certainly not lost on me.

To the kids, each and every one of you is a rockstar. You are the reason coming to work is so easy. Nothing gives me more joy, than a smiley hello of a morning, or a polite “How are you, Mr Duke?” You are products of not only your amazing parents, but the qualities and values that Malvern Primary School instils. I will miss each and every one of you, although at 47 years old, I’ve certainly entered the phase of being horrible with names.

Most importantly, to the wonderful staff. I am rarely lost for words, but I simply can’t express what each and every one of you means to me. In what has been a challenging year, I would sincerely like to thank, those I work most closely with; Robyn and Ben, along with Jill, Nick, Andrea, Gemma and the entire staff in general. Your help, navigating some of the more tricky times, well, my gratitude is boundless. I hope upon reflection, all of the staff can maybe take away; an anecdote provided, advice given, a moment of support, or even a moment where I have made a total dill of myself, making their day better, as a positive way to remember me by.

This is not a permanent goodbye, but when 41 years of what you know best, is no longer your constant, it is hard not to get emotional and hope that at the very least, you can be remembered for having a crack!!! A crack with the best interest of developing, nurturing and caring for each and every person, not just the students, that you met along the way.

This is a resilient place, it will continue to move forward, strive to get better and succeed in whatever it aims up at. How do I know this? Because of the strength of community and quality of staff, in conjunction with the students and parents. I simply can’t wait to see what the future holds, for my favourite and safest place.

Oh to be back in that first staff photo again, with forever ahead…. Here’s to an exciting future for all!!!!

Signing off- Cadell, Mr Duke, Mr D and Dukey, I will miss you all.