FOR 23 years, Christine Quinn has been the glue binding together the culture of Greenbank State School.
The long-serving Greenbank State School principal will retire at the end of term two, passing on a legacy of achievement to a new principal to be announced ahead of term three.
Ms Quinn’s passion as an educator has been driven by a desire to see every child achieve the best outcome possible.
“I want the children to understand they have a responsibility and capability to do whatever they want to do as long as they apply themselves,” she said.
“This is the dream I have for them. I want people to value themselves and accept responsibility for the world around them.”
Ms Quinn’s ability as a strategic thinker has led to a progressive legacy.
This includes the introduction of before and after school care and overseeing the construction of the school hall, pool and revamped tuckshop.
Deputy principal Jacqueline Parker said Ms Quinn was a visionary and stable leader and would be sadly missed.
“I think Christine is really good at working with people in the school community to improve facilities and learning opportunities,” she said.
“It is the relationships she has formed with staff, parents and students which allowed it to grow and evolve over time.”
Ms Quinn said she was lucky to have heard countless success stories during her time in the job.
“I was talking to a parent on Thursday who said her 25-year-old daughter is involved in sustainability education,” she said.
“(The parent) said this stemmed from the environmental approach she was exposed to in her younger years at Greenbank State School which carried her through university studies.
“That is really powerful when you hear that.”
Ms Quinn will spend her retirement pursuing some of the finer things in life.
“I think I would like to rediscover the other me and have some time to indulge in passions like reading, cooking and travelling,” she said.
“I haven’t had an opportunity to do this for a long time.”
The Greenbank school community will bid farewell to Ms Quinn at her last school parade from 9am on Friday, June 29.
