DEDICATED Penola Primary School principal Paul Harmer will farewell the tight knit school at the end of the year after securing a key leadership position in Mount Gambier.
Mr Harmer will begin the new chapter of his career at Mount Gambier North Primary School, replacing respected principal Jane Turner, who has announced her retirement.
Reflecting on the new position, Mr Harmer said the timing was right to move on and refresh his career.
Spending seven years as the principal and 11 years as deputy, Mr Harmer has built solid relationships within the community.
“The school has been a wonderful community to work in, with outstanding students, staff and parents,” Mr Harmer said.
“I have loved seeing the students achieve all their goals as I have watched them progress through the years.”
He said the new position will bring new challenges, however he was excited about the change.
“North Primary School is a significantly larger school so it will be a challenge, but I am ecstatic to embrace the new school community,” Mr Harmer said.
He said highlights of his time as principal included developing the cohesive way in which all year levels now interact and the creation of the junior and primary area.
“I have also enjoyed the beauty of knowing every student and their interests, allowing me to have greater engagement with them,” Mr Harmer said.
“I am proud of the school’s community and grateful for the way it has helped shape and grow me as a person.
“I have learnt a lot from the school and could not have asked for a more supportive environment.”
Mr Harmer said he will miss the school and is forever thankful for the support of the community.
