Dear Albany Rise Primary School Community,

I am filled with mixed emotions as I share this farewell. On one hand, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride for the journey we have traversed together over the past 13 years. On the other hand, there is a real sadness, knowing that this chapter of my life as a teacher and school leader is coming to a close after 38 years as a primary school educator.

It is hard to imagine the journey in education from my first teaching roles in 1988, to education in schools as it is today. I came into teaching at a time where whiteboards were a stunning new innovation (and even then, they were only in some classrooms), photocopiers were only seen in corporate offices, and computers, mobile phones and electric cars were science fiction ideas and only just becoming reality, (and certainly not yet in schools). Can you imagine? (Or perhaps you can remember…like me!).

Student uniforms were not compulsory when I started teaching, but the idea of ‘school colours’ had started, with many students wearing hand sewn outfits in the colours chosen by the school.

Over my time in teaching, I have seen hundreds of children learn and grow, come and go. I have taught in all year levels and even spent some time at different schools as a Music specialist, Art specialist and Language Specialist. I have had the privilege of working with amazing and talented staff, who have taught me and provided valuable feedback as I developed as an experienced teacher and eventually a school leader.

When I first arrived at Albany Rise Primary School in 2013, little did I know that I would be blessed with such a wonderful, caring community. When people describe Albany Rise Primary School, they usually talk about our students / our staff / the facilities / the learning and teaching / wellbeing programs / but most of all the caring and connected community.

What they are describing of course is our culture.

Albany Rise Primary School culture lies in the connections we have as a whole community. It is the genuine care, concern and kindness we all demonstrate every day as students, parents, carers and staff that makes our school so special. It is the way we accept and celebrate every individual; their challenges, their special qualities, their amazing achievements, and the way in which we always do our best to help each other.

We are a unique and beautiful community; diverse, accepting, multi-lingual and always working with our students’ wellbeing and learning at the centre. We are a community of people who care about one another and especially the children in our care.

We are a school that speaks directly to our values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. We welcome all, because here we celebrate the dynamics of people learning together with a single sense of purpose – to be the best we can. We are proud, and we should be proud. We believe Education IS our Future.

It is the memories made with our students and their families at ARPS that I will treasure. Each day, I have witnessed the wonderful potential and growth of our students. From the first day they entered Foundation with wide eyes, oversized uniforms, and hopeful hearts to the day they graduated as confident and capable individuals; each student’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Throughout my time as principal, I have been continuously inspired by student resilience, dedication, and achievements. I have watched them overcome challenges, embrace new opportunities, and evolve into exceptional individuals. Student academic accomplishments, artistic talents, and sporting triumphs and taking up social justice issues, have made me immensely proud. I have had the privilege of witnessing countless achievements, big and small, and cherishing the milestones our students have reached. From their first hesitant steps on the stage during a school musical to their triumphant sporting victories, every moment has left an indelible mark on me as a person.

But beyond all this, it is the student kindness, compassion, and sense of community that have truly made Albany Rise so special.

I would particularly like to congratulate all students who have ever taken on a leadership position – House Captains, JSC or SVT Representative, Environmental Leaders, Peer Mediators, Library, Arts, Essential duties and many others. Specifically, I congratulate all past and our current school captains. They are exceptional individuals and have led their peers beautifully. Well done.

I am grateful to the families who have entrusted their children’s education to us, allowing us to be part of their lives and contribute to their growth.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all members of the Albany Rise School Council, both past and present. In particular, to our current president Chris O’Shea and all current and previous members of School Council. Thank you all for your unwavering support and friendship. And to all those who have served on our Parents Association over the years, including our current leader Amanda Lewis (and all her family), Bronwyn Clarke and Mel Towers (previous PA leaders) thank you. The many special school events that are traditions at ARPS are only possible through the support and leadership of our Parents Association and the many, many volunteer hours these parents put in each Term. A very special thanks also to Ann Dunford (grandparent) who has been an amazing asset to the school in managing resources and supporting events, and to Adam Summersett and Brian Hogan, our incredible buildings and grounds maintenance duo. Many thanks also to Suranga and the Camp Australia after school care team, who have been so supportive of our schools creating a welcoming ‘cosy home’ environment for students at school early or staying late.

As I reflect on my time at Albany Rise, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the incredible cohort of teachers and Education Support staff who have been my partners in this journey. Their extraordinary dedication, passion, and commitment to student education and wellbeing have been instrumental in creating a nurturing, enriching and caring environment, that feels like being part of a big family. I am grateful for their tireless efforts and the positive impact they have had on student lives, and on the functioning of the school. I have witnessed some exceptional teaching and education support skills that resulted in outstanding academic results and social skills growth that we can all be very proud of. I am in awe of staff commitment, talents and care.

To my supportive administration team, Michael Mottershead (Assistant Principal), Lyndelle Everitt (Business Manager), Collette Wilkinson (Acting Office Manager) and of course Janine Wilson (currently on leave), you have all made a profound impact on the school and my own leadership growth. To our School Improvement team, Curriculum Team leaders and PLC leaders, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each member of past leadership teams and my current leadership team. I want to acknowledge the hard work, commitment, and constant support they have provided to both the school and to me personally. It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of a group led by individuals of their calibre. The impact they have made on the lives of students and staff will be felt for years to come. As I move on to new endeavours, I am confident that the strong leadership and focussed approach left behind will continue to shape and hopefully inspire future generations.

I would like to wish Mrs Jane Capon, incoming Principal of Albany Rise, every success and happiness. I trust Jane will feel the same support, care and love that I have enjoyed. I am very confident ARPS is in excellent hands.

To our wonderful Albany Rise students, you ARE a ‘great bunch of kids’, as the school songs goes. Remember to keep being impressive role models, kind to others, generous with your words and actions, and always act with integrity, even (and especially) when no one is looking. Each of you has a special place in my heart, as my extended ‘school family’. I will be checking in from time to time, so remember to always show our school values and be the best young people you can be.

And, finally, I wish to thank my husband, John, our children Sarah, Elizabeth and Caitrin, their families and our four grandchildren. It is impossible to be in the position of Principal without the unwavering support of family. They have understood, tolerated and enabled me to take the time needed to do the necessary work as a teacher and school leader. Family birthdays, special events, holidays, evenings regularly overshadowed through my pursuit of excellence as a learner and leader. I am sure they are looking forward to appreciating the years ahead where my family at home will be my primary focus.

As I bid farewell to Albany Rise, I will carry with me so many wonderful memories. I am so thankful for the opportunities and the privilege of leading this amazing school. I look forward to spending my time in the future making music, creating artwork, gardening and riding my Yamaha Virago.

Albany Rise will always be a home and a family to me, and I am forever grateful for this beautiful journey.

Sincerely,

Judith Drew

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