“YOU can take the girl out of Greenbank, but you can’t take Greenbank out of the girl.”
Greenbank State School principal Christine Quinn delivered these parting words to a packed school Hall this morning on the last day of her stellar 23 year career.
In 1995, Greenbank State School had 484 student enrolments and limited infrastructure.
Enrolment numbers have more than doubled to 1046 students in 2018 and Ms Quinn led the way to secure key facilities including the school hall, pool, tuckshop, library expansion and new digital classrooms.
Tributes came thick and fast from politicians, students and colleagues to pay respect to a formidable legacy.
Deputy principal Mark Hitchen announced the unveiling of the Christine Quinn School Hall to recognise Ms Quinn’s impressive contribution.
“During Ms Quinn’s time here, Greenbank State School has been at the forefront of Queensland State Schools,” he said.
Ms Quinn said she was humbled to receive such an honour.
“Not too many principals get that honour, so it is very important to me,” she said.
“There will now be a much greater incentive for me to drive past (the school) more often.”
Jordan MP Charis Mullen said her office was flooded with support for the Greenbank principal.
“So many parents contacted me to say how sad they were to see Ms Quinn leaving,” she said.
Former Lockyer MP Ian Rickuss used to represent the Greenbank State School area and also paid tribute to Ms Quinn.
School council chairperson Brenton Farleigh said Ms Quinn’s record spoke for itself.
“Ms Quinn leaves behind a great legacy which lies in the positive culture of the school...the Greenbank way,” he said.
Ms Quinn explained the Greenbank way concept which defined her approach to the school.
“The Greenbank way is quite simple, it is really just about doing the right thing,” she said.
“You don’t have to think too hard to be able to do the right thing.
“There is no point in doing something unless you do it well, and we have done the Greenbank way very well.”
Ms Quinn said students had a responsibility to know what is right and wrong and that students could not respect others until they respect themselves.
Every student wrote Ms Quinn a farewell letter to decorate the school on her last day.
