By Eleanor Wilson
Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek has been honoured by the State Government for his service to public education.
Mr Grossek, who has been principal of the school since it opened in 1990, was recognised for 55 years of service last week.
He was one of 22 government school and education staff from Eastern Victoria paid tribute to through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.
“It was great to feel acknowledged in that way. It’s also very humbling because there’s a lot of people who have done wonderful things in the education sector, so to be honored among them is very special,” Mr Grossek said.
He said his 33 years and counting at Berwick Lodge were owed to a drive to continue reinventing the ways things were done at the primary school.
“Spending a long time in one place, you can do an awful lot, as long as you keep reinventing yourself and moving with the times,” he said.
“That’s something I’ve always been very conscious of…and between the confidence of the school community and the education department, the school has grown and I have grown and that’s been a real win-win for everyone.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing paid tribute to the 22 government school and education staff from the Eastern Victorian region.
“Our public education staff are extraordinary – they work hard, change lives, and make Victoria a better place for everyone,” she said.
“My congratulations and gratitude to all the recipients for their tireless dedication and hard work, for the profound difference they’ve made in the lives of so many, and for their service to students and families over so many decades.”
Throughout the state, a total of 219 teachers and staff are being recognised for 40 years of service, 104 staff for 45 years of service, 50 staff for 50 years of service, six staff for 55 years of service and five staff for 60 years of service.
“With this year marking 150 years of public education in Victoria, all those recognised should feel proud about contributing to such a great tradition,” Education Minister James Merlino said.
“Whether they work in the classroom or in an office supporting schools, everyone receiving recognition for their service to public education in our state has helped deliver a great education to generations of Victorian families.”
Before he was appointed principal of Berwick Lodge Primary School in 1990, Mr Grossek gained experience across a range of roles within the education sector.
This included time as principal of a one-teacher school in Gippsland, a physical education teacher, art teacher, primary school teacher for Years 3 to 6, and relief teacher across metropolitan Melbourne.
A “passionate advocate for public education”, he also worked in education policy for a number of years.
The 73-year-old said he had no immediate plans to retire, but said he would know when it was time to step down as principal of the school.
“When you get to my age, you take it year by year, but I feel like my health is still good, my enthusiasm is as good as ever and the community and the school are doing well,” he said.
