Outgoing Port Fairy Consolidated School principal Mark Chapman said he has always felt a sense of safety and belonging at the school, where he will finish up at the end of the week.
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Mr Chapman has led the school as principal since July 2012 and worked as a teacher from 1993 to 2006.
He has resigned to pursue a career in adolescent mental health and well-being.
“In the last five years I have strived to provide the passion, the vision and the skills to build on the school’s existing strengths and uphold its reputation as a place of educational excellence,” Mr Chapman said.
He said the school was a great place to be where its staff helped to “make good, caring people who have the skills to contribute positively to our world”.
“I am proud to say that as a school community we endeavour to direct all of our efforts into the creation of good citizens. We strongly believe that ‘the future of this world rests upon the shoulders of its youth’ and we are confident that we are building young people who will be able to make a difference.”
He said the Port Fairy community had a great ability to look after each other. “There is a shared ownership and vision. We look after the young people in our town and as the principal of Port Fairy Consolidated School I have strived to strengthen the school’s links with local organisations and made it a place that supports and promotes the high values of our school and local community.”
He said he will miss seeing the students and the staff every day and his educational philosophy was founded on a strong commitment to the importance of relationships.
“I have always endeavoured to use these relationships to promote excellence in teaching and learning within the educational and broader community.
Mr Chapman said he was very fortunate to have led a “dedicated and highly skilled team of teachers” who constantly worked to improve students’ educational outcomes and thanked them and the school staff for their work.
He also acknowledged the school council, the parents fundraising group and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the school’s successful operation.
“Many in our school community continue to work above and beyond their roles.
“I believe Port Fairy Consolidated School consistently does ‘Punch above its weight’. We have much to be proud of and to celebrate!”
Incoming principal Kath Tanner, who has come from Lismore Primary School where she was the acting principal, will take over from the beginning of next term.
