Farewell and thank you, Kate

An indelible impact

As this is the last newsletter with Kate Morris as our principal I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Kate for all her extraordinary work at Northcote and wish her well.

The list of Kate’s achievements  is astounding, and many of us don’t even know the full list! It is a list that has been and should be celebrated and is a great legacy that will support the school for many years to come. However, it is not these achievements that we will miss most about Kate.

I know I will miss her energy, vision, leadership, mentorship, and undying creativity in the face of the incredible complexity of running a school the size and stature of Northcote High.

In fact, it feels almost surreal to think about Northcote without Kate around. Her presence permeates every hallway, classroom and playing area. During her 8½ year tenure, it is Kate herself that has made an indelible impact on us all.

A serious woman who projects an air of authority and confidence, a woman who walks through this world with great purpose and, usually, a smile. She is direct and to the point and has, let's face it, ruffled some feathers at times, but you could not help but be inspired by her. Kate stirs people to action, to contribute to and believe in the school’s success.

Supported by the excellence fostered by Kate and the leadership team, I am sure 2018 and beyond is going to continue to be great for NHS with Sue Harrap at the helm - but Kate, we are going to miss you!

On behalf of the whole school community, I say thank you for all you have given Northcote High and wish you all the very best for your future.

Martin Hughes

School Council President

Snapshot of a leader

There are many things that we could say about Kate's leadership and the impact she has had on the school - students, families, staff and community. We love a survey at Northcote...here are some of the main phrases that spring to those people's minds when talking about Kate.