School principal retires after 48 years
Woy Woy Public School principal Ms Ona Buckley has retired from Monday, May 6, after 48 years in the education system.
"I started my career as a young enthusiastic teacher with a passion to support and inspire children to become who they want to be, through the freedom of choice that education can provide," she said in a letter to the school community.
"I genuinely loved teaching children in all grades throughout the primary years.
"My aim was always to stimulate, to enthuse, to make learning fun and to embed the practice and desire for lifelong learning.
"My enthusiasm has never waned, and my focus has always been to make a difference for every child."
Ms Buckley said: "I have been a teacher, an executive teacher, an assistant principal, an English curriculum facilitator for Western area, and a double district creative arts consultant for Orange and Bathurst areas."
She said she had been a rellevlng principal for times at Parkes East Public School and for a year at Gooloogong Public School and a year at Mulyan Public School in Cowra, before becoming the substantive principal of Cootamundra Public School.
"I have worked at Eumungerie, Gilgandra, Warrimoo, Blainey, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Parkes, Cowra, Gooloogong, and Cootamundra and have delivered educational professional learning for teachers in all towns across the western region of New South Wales.
"I have seen many changes over those 48 years in how to teach curriculum, class size reductions, school budget procedures, massive technology leaps and changed social acceptance boundaries.
"In May 2006, I gained the position of principal at Woy Woy Public School.
"And what a privilege it has been for the last 18 years to be part of the Woy Woy community: The Blue School, a school with generational history and immense pride, the first public school on the Peninsula.
"Words cannot describe how proud I am of Woy Woy Public School and the love I have in my heart for being part of such an ever-evolving centre for the wellbeing and educational journey for over 4500 children, their families and the staff of the school over those last 18 years.
"The school's reputation is widespread in the community as a school who supports all students.
"It is a complex school having the six classes for students with disabilities, a public education preschool within the grounds, mainstream classes and the Schools as Community Centre which supports families on the Peninsula - quite a lot to caretake but a challenge that was both enjoyable and rewarding.
"Many school achievements over that time have highlighted the school which reflected collaborative leadership, staff cohesion, parents and caregivers working together with the school and wider community support.
"I will take with me such wonderful memories of my time at Woy Woy Public School.
"I love the school and am so proud of its uniqueness and the inclusion it provides for all.
"I will treasure the friendships and connections made over that time and thank the wonderful staff at Woy Woy Public School for their support and dedication working with me to deliver the best educational journeys possible for every child In our care."
The principal position for Woy Woy Public School will now go through a merit selection process.
"While this merit selection process proceeds, Mr Dan Betts will continue to relieve as principal of Woy Woy Public School.
"As always, the school will be in good hands."
Ms Buckley said: "I have been fortunate to have reached the grand age of 70 and have proudly given over 48 years of service to public education.
"It is time for me to see what is on the other side of a long working life."
SOURCE:
Letter, 1 May 2024
Ona Buckley, Woy Woy Public School