From the Assistant Principal

Happy Retirement Michele

Yesterday the school community had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Principal Michele as she is so fondly referred to by our younger students, for the contribution she has made to Oakleigh Primary School.

I feel really fortunate to have worked alongside Michele for the last six years. And just as Michele has been a wonderful Principal and educator to many students past and present, she has also been a wonderful mentor to me and taught me so much. I know that Michele has loved being a teacher and Principal so much that she has hardly ever had a day off!

We have been very fortunate to have someone with Michele’s understanding of pedagogy for how students learn best, as well as having a vision for the school to keep it moving forward.

Michele really epitomises what is meant by a life-long learner. She is an avid reader but she also has a passion for Maths and Science. It was Michele’s vision to create a STEM centre and have it as a dedicated space that was resourced with a dedicated specialist teacher, developing students’ creative and critical thinking skills.

Michele is leaving the school very differently to how she found it. It has undergone a huge transformation under her leadership as a member of the Principal class. Not only has it grown in student numbers, but also student achievement results have risen in her time here too. All the while the school community has become richer in its diversity.

In the last 6 -7 years, Michele has overseen the physical transformation of the school’s buildings and grounds. The renovations all have a little bit of Michele in them from the paint colours to the flooring, as well as the aesthetics and functionality of spaces in regards to creating purposeful teaching and learning environments. Her passion for art also ensured that the integrity of the Heritage Hall and its architecture was retained as part of a fusion with modern upgrades. After three refurbishments she can certainly handle any project of any size. She leaves us with her own pink hard hat!

Yesterday I talked to Michele being a bit of a super Principal. Most principals only have to manage one school setting, but at Oakleigh Primary School Michele has also had responsibility for managing two settings, both the primary school and Oakleigh Kindergarten. A true reflection of her leadership capabilities.

I know everyone will agree how fortunate we have been to have Michele as Principal. Her legacy is truly embedded in the culture she has created at the school. I know she is most proud of the inclusivity of the school and always at the centre of every decision she has made has been the students. I know parents have valued her visibility and accessibility. She will be missed.

Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different. I know this will be so for Michele.

Student Reports

Student Semester 2 reports will be released this Friday afternoon via Compass. As always, it has been lovely reading grade reports and seeing the personal growth and progress students have made this semester.

A reminder to all departing families to ensure you have downloaded all your child’s reports before their last day of school as Compass access is connected to their enrolment status.

Happy Holidays

Please keep safe and enjoy this extended break with family and friends.

Bron Orr

Assistant Principal

bronwyn.orr@education.vic.gov.au