Retiring Pakenham Hills Primary School principal Margaret Naish gets a farewell hug from students Janice Cameron and Riah Beetham and applause from Max Hudson and Matt Innes. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Paul Dunlop
THE roll call of children taught by Margaret Naish over the years may be beyond count — but all have a special place in her heart.
Mrs Naish is about to call it a day after six years as principal at Pakenham Hills Primary School.
She will take long-service leave next year before officially retiring in August.
It is a change she is both looking forward to and dreading.
After a 35-year career spent mostly in local schools, teaching will be a hard habit to break.
“It gets in your blood. Every day is a new challenge, the kids keep it fresh,” she said.
Mrs Naish is in her 10th year at Pakenham Hills and was assistant principal at the closeknit school in Army Road before taking on the leadership role.
She came to Pakenham after teaching at Cockatoo, Selby and Emerald. Her first post was at Bunyip.
Mrs Naish said she had greatly enjoyed her time as principal.
“It’s been most challenging and rewarding, too. The kids are always number one.”
Children taught by Mrs Naish have now grown up and had kids of their own at the school.
Mrs Naish said she had seen whole families progress from prep through to grade six.
Her six years at the helm have coincided with a period of enormous growth for the town and mounting pressure for expanded school services in the town as the population continues to increase at a rapid rate.
Mrs Naish said Pakenham Hills was fortunate to have plenty of space, particularly in the playground area.
The large grounds and strong input from parents meant the school was well positioned to continue to provide a high-quality education experience into the future, she said.
“The growth has been incredible but there has always been a very strong sense of community in the school.
“Our staff and parents are very dedicated.”
Mrs Naish said she expected her two grandchildren would keep her very busy during retirement. She and her husband are also planning to move to their farm in central Victoria.
Anneliese Kosach has been appointed as acting principal while an official replacement is sought.
Pakenham Hills staff will gather for a lunch next week after the final day of school on Tuesday.
Mrs Naish said she was unaware of any official farewell plans but was keeping on her guard.
“Nobody has said a thing and that’s what I’m concerned about,” she said.
“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
