19 Feb 2016
There are many reasons why I love being the principal of Auburn North Public School and being a member of the Auburn North FAMILY. The reasons include the fact that every single school day I am surrounded by:
- Students who are beautiful, who live our six values (Honesty, Kindness, Respect, Fairness, Friendship, Responsibility), who work so hard and who take great pride in their efforts and achievements.
- Staff members who are beautiful human beings who work so hard and who work so effectively together so that our students love their school and exceed their full potential in all areas of endeavour.
- Parents who are so respectful and kind, who are committed to the education and welfare of the children, and who are so supportive of our staff and our school.
Another important reason why I have loved being the principal of Auburn North for 17 years is because during that time I have watched our young primary students graduate from year six, progress through high school and become exemplary young Australian adults.
Just last Friday I ran into one of these outstanding young Australian adults. I left school last Friday about 4.30pm and drove to Parramatta to do some shopping. I walked into a café to buy a cup of tea and to my great surprise I saw Saad, a former Auburn North student, at a table enjoying a cup of coffee with some of his friends. I don't know who was more excited, Saad or myself.
Saad has grown into a tall, healthy, fit and happy 22-year-old man and during our conversation he told me that after attending Auburn North from 2000 – 2006 he attended Arthur Phillip High School and that:
- he had just completed his Science degree and was about to commence a Master's degree in Science and Information and Technology.
- his younger sister, who also attended Auburn North, was completing her Medical degree.
During our chat Saad also said:
"I owe everything to Auburn North. I am who I am today because of Auburn North. I loved Auburn North".
I clearly remember Saad's family. His parents were lovely people and were very supportive of their children's education and our school. During his seven years at Auburn North, Saad always tried very hard with his school work, he loved participating in extra-curricular programs and he always followed our school rules and lived our values.
Saad proudly explained to me that he still has all his Auburn North gold badges, principal's awards and his bronze, silver and gold certificates. He also explained that he remembers our ‘ Best of All Worlds' theme and that it has helped him continue to make friends from a wide range of backgrounds because he knows that all people are essentially the same.
Catching up with Saad and thousands of other former Auburn North students who have graduated from our school over the past 17 years is one of the great joys of being a member of our learning community and reminds me that:
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