Timbarra P-9 College principal Jan Adamson has rang the bell on her school career with a bittersweet farewell event seeing her complete a ‘lap of honour’ around the school’s oval.
After 21 years as the school’s principal, she was surprised to see the oval covered in students from Prep all the way through to Year 9.
Mrs Adamson said it was “lovely” to see all of the children celebrate her retirement in such a special way.
“I just wanted something very small,” she said.
“It’s nice to see all of the students.
“They’ve all grown so much.”
Starting her career in education within special education at a school for the deaf, Mrs Adamson was formerly the principal at Doveton Heights Primary School.
She said she has seen the school grow from strength to strength, with the school formerly a primary school and growing from 68 students to 700 during her tenure.
Mrs Adamson said she had the entire school community and broader Berwick community to thank for her time as principal.
“I’ve really loved all of the community,” she said.
Mrs Adamson said she was planning a trip to see her daughter in London, as she is due to give birth to her newest grandchild.
Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) and inclusion learning specialist Assunta Mancini said Mrs Adamson’s absence would leave a large hole in the school community.
“Students always came first with her,” she said.
“She always made time.
“She was a big part of their learning journey.”
Ms Mancini said she always made extra effort to learn about each student’s passion and extracurricular activities.
Mrs Adamson was also instrumental in progressing the school community’s abilities to support students with extra needs.
During her eight years working with her, Ms Mancini said she showed extra care for students with special needs and even encouraged her to receive special education training to support students with autism.
“Jane has always supported every student with special needs,” she said.
“She’s always been supportive with programs that could benefit them.”
Primary Art teacher Peter Crowe said Mrs. Adamson breathed new life into the school community following the trauma of the sudden death of the school’s founding principal Gail Potts in July 2001.
He said Mrs Adamson gave the school a new sense of stability, confidence and optimism after Ms Potts’ death.
“Jan cared a great deal about all members of the school community: children, parents and staff,” he said.
“She saw her role was to support people.
“She often emphasized that children always came first and that we are here to make a difference in every child’s life.
Mr Crowe said Mrs Adamson oversaw a new building strategy for the primary school, including establishing new open learning spaces to modernise the school and then helped guide the school community through the transition into a Prep to Year 9 College.
“She always had a strong commitment to continuous improvement and excellence,” he said.
“She often saw the potential in others and encouraged staff to step up and take on new roles.
“We’re not only very grateful for all that she’s done for our school over the last 21 Years, but what she has done for so many other students, staff and families for around 40 years.”
