Dale's Farewell

Time to Say Farewell……

One of the hardest things for me to do is to walk away from a school community that I have been so involved with in the last 2 years. FNPS has been an unexpected part of my retirement plan and suddenly the thought of not being a part of this great school community fills me with sadness and wonder. Sadness, at knowing that I will no longer be a part of this daily routine that has become an integral part of my life, both professionally and personally. Wonder, at how I can possibly leave my career in education that has been the central focus of my life over so long a period of time- 45 years. And yet, the time has finally arrived when I am doing just that. The time has come for me to leave and begin the next chapter of my life in regional Victoria.

With the support of a conscientious Principal and Leadership team, committed teaching and ES staff, efficient and supportive office personnel, diligent School Councillors and devoted parents, I have never felt alone or a solitary entity in the role of a Principal. 

It has been a privilege to be a part of FNPS in this role as I have always tried my best to serve it well. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed working in this environment. There is, and always has been, something special about the people I have worked with in education, no matter what role they have been in within the many school environments l have experienced. I have constantly been surrounded with love, dedication and positivity, day in and day out. Whenever students called out a greeting, it always humbled me that they would feel comfortable enough to call out and warmly express themselves in this way. I have always felt how lucky I was to be a part of this in my workplace.

And now after many years of hopefully serving State Education well, I will finally spend a bit more time with my young family as I embark on a new path in life. I want to thank everyone for the love, loyalty and support that they have always shown me as Acting Principal of this great school over the past 2 years. The past 2 years were indeed very different with new norms and rituals, but as a collective we pushed through and forged a new beginning. Thank you for providing me with the privilege of being part of the important work that was needed during this period. I wish Tania well as the new Principal and she has certainly hit the ground running – but l would not expect anything less.

Good luck and farewell folks!