Leadership Report

Thank you to every one of you for this incredible opportunity...

As I am sure families and our community are now aware following the sharing of information on Tuesday afternoon, it is with a mixture of excitement and heartfelt emotion that I am sadly moving on from my role as Principal at Marion Primary School at the end of the year. At the commencement of the 2025 school year, I will begin a new journey after winning the tenured role of Principal at Hawthorndene Primary School. 

This decision was not made lightly as I have absolutely loved my time and opportunities working and leading as Principal of this amazing school. I am deeply connected and committed to Marion Primary School, and having worked here as my first Principalship, I know that it holds a strong place in my heart. It has been a privilege to work alongside a wonderfully supportive community, talented and hardworking staff, and incredible students. Together, we have achieved many milestones, celebrated our students’ successes, and created a positive and inclusive learning environment that I am immensely proud of.

To the students, thank you for the joy and inspiration you bring daily. You are at the heart of everything we do, and seeing your growth has been the most rewarding part of my time here. To the parents and families, your commitment to our school has been instrumental in making Marion Primary a truly special place. And to the staff, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support.

Though I look forward to this new chapter at Hawthorndene Primary, I will always cherish my time here and the bonds we’ve formed. I am confident that Marion Primary School will continue to flourish and uphold its commitment to excellence.

In the meantime, I am working collaboratively with the Leadership Team and my Education Director to backfill the role and ensure consistency and continuity within staffing for next year. 

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this community. I am proud of all we have achieved together and am excited to see Marion Primary School continue to grow.

Staffing Information and Updates for 2025

I am thrilled to announce the following updates in regard to staffing and returning contract teachers for next year:

• Georgina Sprigg will continue as Deputy Principal in 2025. I cannot speak highly enough about Georgina and I am very grateful for all of her ongoing support, guidance, care, and beyond all, being a closely valued colleague and treasured friend. I have very much appreciated all of Georgina’s support over the past year and a bit in Leadership and I feel we have developed a very strong and cohesive Leadership Team. It has been a pleasure watching you grow, learn and develop in the Deputy Principal role. This will help ensure continuity and consistency in the Leadership Team and continue the fabulous work that is happening across the school.
• We welcome back: Sam Menner, Antje Woodrow, Nicole Hooper, Kira Fabbro, and Vanessa Toogood in their respective contract teaching roles. This is incredible to be able to keep these wonderful teachers at Marion and to stabilise the staffing for next year. You have all done amazing things this year in your rooms and continued to learn and grow, supporting students to thrive and achieve - well done and thank you!

More information regarding classes and the roles of teachers will come out to the community in due course. We are currently working on class placements, reports, and class structure planning, leading into a busy final few weeks of the year.

Looking forward to a great final few weeks

Although on a personal note, this is a sad time knowing that I will be finishing up at Marion, I want to enjoy this time with the community, staff, and students and celebrate the work and the journey we have come. I appreciate all of your support and understanding and look forward to a great end to the school year. 

Warm regards,

Guy Walmsley 

Principal