The students and teachers at Anchorage Park Primary School have honoured retiring principal Lynne Keohane with a touching tribute.
On Monday morning they surprised Ms Keohane by filling a school tree with farewell messages, in the shape of birds, butterflies and insects, that each child had lovingly made.
Ms Keohane was touched by the gesture and had children flocking to point out their message to her.
“You have been the best principal ever. You have been working hard for us.”
“I will miss you so much, I will remember you always.”
“Thank you for making us the best school in the world.”
They will also be holding an assembly in her honour this Thursday.
The school community will miss Ms Keohane, who has been at Anchorage Park Primary School for three decades and principal there for the past 24 years. She has seen hundreds of students come through the small school and always speaks proudly of past student’s achievements. She has been there to see the building of the school hall, established two satellite special needs classes, partnered with Botany Life Church for two school makeovers, supported numerous fundraising efforts and grant applications and much, much, more.
Keohane has led the school to win awards for their initiatives, such as 2015 Runner Up for the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Focus Award for their transition to school programme (in partnership with Anchorage Park Kindergarten), and most recently, winners of a $10,000 Treemendous Makeover Grant, which will see an outdoor learning space created next year.
Through all those years her focus has always been on the students, and helping them strive for excellence. On any given day, you will see Miss Keohane wandering through the playground before and after school with a smile for all, greeting each student, and parent, by name. It is safe to say she deserves to now enjoy her retirement, but will be very much missed.
