Farewell & Thank You 

It gave me great pleasure on speech night to present Carol Miller with a special award. 

Carol has been recognised by Georgina Harrison, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education for her 40 years of service as a permanent teacher, however I should point out that in addition to this Carol has served roughly 10 years as a casual teacher at Wee Waa High School.

In 1969 Carol graduated from Armidale Teacher’s College and the University of New England after being awarded a scholarship to both institutions. 

In 1970 she began her teaching career at Pallamallawa Public School teaching K- 6. Here she cemented her prowess as a sports coach and school musical director. 

After 4 years at Pallamallawa she embarked on the first of many overseas trips where she travelled and worked extensively.

Returning to Australia three years later, Carol took up a teaching position at Wee Waa Central School, and was then promoted to Executive Teacher before becoming the Deputy Principal. 

After three years, the opportunity to take up a role at Lane Cove West Public School was too good to refuse. During her time there Carol was promoted to the role of Science Consultant for the North Sydney region. Till today, Carol still keeps in contact with a number of the students she taught during her years in Sydney.

In 1983 she accepted the position of Principal at Burren Junction Public School, before moving on the Principal of Bellata Public School in 1999, it was also their centenary year. A good number of past staff and Principals joined in the celebrations. Carol and one of the parents researched and documented the history of the school which they turned into a book to mark the momentous occasion. It was a busy year.

In 2000 the whole school went to the Paralympics. Students were billeted out with local families and while in Sydney they enjoyed a morning with the Surf Life Savers where mock rescues were conducted for each student. An excursion experience Carol remembers fondly. 

Excursions were one of Carol’s fortes. She organised two major excursions a year to give students the opportunity to explore other regions and new experiences. A source of great pride for Carol during her time at Bellata Public was the school being ranked second in the state in basic skills as part of the then NAPLAN test. 

Carol’s philosophy throughout her teaching career has been to provide students with many and varied experiences, and to ensure that all children had a good level of literacy and life skills on graduating Year 6.

Carol retired for the ‘first time’ in 2008 and then embarked on a wonderful array of trips overseas and within Australia. 

She was enticed out of retirement about 10 years ago to take on casual teaching roles at Wee Waa High School. An opportunity she has found rewarding. Now it is time to try retirement again. 

Carol has been a truly dedicated and passionate educator and I am sure the whole community joins with me in recognising the contribution and service of this much loved teacher. All the very best Carol.