Final assembly for David Gray
KORUMBURRA Primary School’s assistant principal David Gray is retiring from teaching this week.
This Friday, December 16, from 9am-11am, Mr Gray will be honoured at the final assembly for the year.
Mr Gray attended Toorak Teachers College from 1977-79 and his first teaching appointment was in 1980 at Dumbalk North Primary School as second teacher.
The school population had reached the magical number of 26 which entitled the school to a second teacher.
“Head teacher was Irene Beasley – a great role model and a perfect person to have as my first teacher,” Mr Gray told The Star.
Mr Gray then had stints at Hallston, Dumbalk and Koonwarra primary schools before gaining a permanent position at Korumburra in 1988, teaching Year 1/2.
“Since then I’ve taught in all year levels except Prep,” he said.
Mr Gray became assistant principal during 2007 when Greg Twite retired. This year sees Mr Gray’s 28th year at KPS.
Some of the highlights over the years have included building and ground improvements, camps and excursions, art shows , sporting events, musicals and his instigation of South Gippsland Student Leaders’ Annual Conference at Korumburra Amenities Complex for Year 6 leaders from across South Gippsland.
“The wonderful dedicated staff and fantastic children have been so great to work with over the years,” he said.
“Many of the students I have taught have gone on to become work colleagues or parents of current students and members of Parents and Friends or School Council.
“I leave my role and the teaching profession still loving my job and getting up each day looking forward to going to work.”
Friday’s assembly will also mark the farewell for graduating grades sixes as well as the announcement of the school leaders for 2017.
Dan Wells will be stepping in as assistant principal in 2017.
Mr Wells has been a classroom teacher at the school since 2013. He was also the information communication technology coordinator and had a major role in coordinating the bike education program at the school.
Mr Wells said he is looking forward to the challenges the year ahead will bring, and developing a strong rapport with the staff, students and parents.
“Our values at this school are to ‘aim high’ and I feel my decision to take this position ties in with that,” he said.
“Dave (Mr Gray) has been at the school for 28 years and he was assistant principal for eight of those years, which are pretty big shoes to fill but he has expressed his confidence in me to fill this position.”
Mr Wells said he is looking forward to seeing the school from a different perspective and connecting with people across the school, not just in the classroom.
“I’m hoping to put my own spin on things and working closely with Nathan (Pirouet, principal),” he said.
“Dave (Mr Gray) has been a rock at this school. You can always rely on him and no job was too big or too small. He will certainly be missed and he has promised we can come visit, which is something to look forward to. I hope I can do him proud.”
Farewell Mr Gray: students gather to wish David Gray well in his retirement. Back row. Beau Wilson, Izaak Morrison and Lillyca White, middle row, Tameah Beddegenoodts, Chris Axford, David Gray, Taylor Greig, Ziggy Courtier and Zach Clapperton, front row, Baylee Norrey, Sophie Enbom and Tegan Fox.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Dec 13 2016. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
