Principal's Report - Sherril Last

It is now time to say goodbye to Beaumaris North Primary School as I move to the next chapter in my life.

I officially finish at this wonderful community on the 30 September 2025 and will be heading directly to Epworth Hospital to have my second knee replaced. Hopefully this surgery will give me two good knees so that I can explore parts of the world that are new to me.

After more than 50 years of service to education, it is time for me to retire.  It has been an absolute privilege to be the Principal at Beaumaris North Primary School for the last 24 years. The role has been both rewarding and fulfilling, and I leave with an abundance of happy and lifelong memories.

There are many, many people I would like to thank for their wonderful support and encouragement over the years.  Collectively, their shared values, commitment, enthusiasm, optimism, and shared hopes and dreams for the students energised and inspire me in my role each and every day.

I have been extremely fortunate in having exceptional Assistant Principals throughout my tenue. My Assistant Principals have provided wonderful support to me in my role as Principal as well as the BNPS students, staff and parents.  I thank them for their flexibility, adaptability and support.

I have always had a highly professional leadership team year on year.  I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by committed, innovative, expert leadership teams with a clear focus on continuous improvement in student learning growth and wellbeing.  

Their collective expertise underpinned the development of whole school contemporary research-based approaches to learning and teaching through the delivery of strong professional learning for teachers. Their professionalism and expertise created a curiosity for new learning and drove a school culture around ongoing learning for students and adults.

I have been honoured to lead a team of passionate, enthusiastic, talented teachers and support staff who care about their students, their wellbeing and their learning. Through a blend of support and challenge, high expertise and encouragement of their students, they have supported parents and guardians to prepare their children for their future.

My highly efficient, hardworking, kind and considerate administration staff demonstrated great expertise, confidence and good humour as the interface between home and school at all times.

I have been privileged to work with visionary School Council Presidents and School Council members, with a strong focus on continuous school improvement to ensure the lived experience of BNPS staff, students and families was always engaging and exciting.

I sincerely thank the dedicated Parents and Friends and Fathers’ Activity club, supported by class representatives and numerous parent volunteers always focussed on building a strong sense of community and connectedness through a range of events and activities that enriched the school in countless ways.

Finally, thank you to the students.  I will greatly miss wandering around the school visiting classes and even teaching you on many occasions.  Your smiles, happy faces and innocent honest comments about school and life in general have always provided me with the energy to keep going.

I will miss witnessing your growth and development as you explore the wonders in the world around you.

Your innocence and honesty have always inspired me to find wonder and awe in everything I do and have done.

Thankyou everyone, it has been an honour to know you all both past and present members of this unique school community.  My memories will last forever.

My very best wishes for the years ahead and may each day be filled with health and happiness always.

Sincere regards,

Sherril Duffy

PRINCIPAL