From the Principal

Retirement of three significant staff

December 2015 brought an end to the careers of three very special memebers of the Fairhills High School staff.

Our first was Ms SALLY NEWNHAM, our well known teacher of Japanese who began her career in the 1970s as a first year out teacher.  During her early years, Fairhills grew in size and number and Sally participated in all aspects of school life, leading the Language program (as well as being a part of) the sports program and the school's social program.

During the latter years of her time here, Sally managed the International program, looking after the many overseas students that stayed at Fairhills for a month, a term or for several years.  She was a very kind and patient mother to them all.

Sally had that rare ability to be a caring mentor and friend to all those many students she taught and this is exemplified by the many friendships that have carried over the years.  She will be missed by us all.

Our second long serving staff member (who brings her career to an end this year) is Ms JANET CONRAD.  

Janet started at Fairhills a year after Sally, also as a first year out teacher.  She was here in the early years when Visual Communication was known as Graphics and the Arts Faculty was establishing itself as an important part of the school's curriculum.

Through the years, Janet has set and achieved outstanding results especially with her senior classes who have gone on to accummulate some high scores in the VCE exams.

Janet has also contributed to the school in the areas of school sports and the extra-curricular program and as a Leading Teacher, took on several positions of responsibility, including that of Acting Assistant Principal.

There are many in the school community who would be saddened to know that Janet Conrad's time at Fairhills is at an end.

Our third member of staff who has ended her career is Mrs LORA YEUNG.  Lora too, started in the 1970's when Fairhills was still establishing itself in the local community.

Lora started her teaching in the English and Humanities areas, across all year levels before moving also into the area of English as a Second Language.  Here, she tutored and mentored many of the school's International studetns, working closely with Sally Newnham.

Lora has been a much respected member of the C Block teaching team and has contributed greatly to the high standing of the teaching and learning program at Fairhills.

Cumulatively, the school has lost over ninety years of teaching experience and knowledge (with the retirements of Sally, Lora and Janet)  but it's heartening to see the young teachers who have taken their place and who no doubt will aspire to achieve their successes.

Russell Poulier

Associate Principal