“JANE has made the ultimate impact, I have never worked nor met anyone else like Jane who has an unbelievable understanding of students, especially those with special needs and different backgrounds,” Limestone Coast education director Adam Box said at the North Primary School principal’s farewell.
“Most of us become teachers to make a difference to the students in our class, to teach them that they can accomplish their goals and become whoever they want to be in this world.
“I strongly believe that Jane epitomises this statement, she has influenced so many children to become resilient and powerful learners.”
Joining a crowd of past and present students, teachers and community members on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Box spoke highly of the loving and caring principal who will soon enter retirement.
“I see Jane as the Kevin Sheedy of leaders in the South East, just as many current AFL players have worked alongside and learnt from him, no fewer than seven of my current principals have at some stage during their career worked with Jane Turner,” he said.
“She is a leader that has taught other educators the importance of being calm and to slow down, not to rush decisions, but to ensure everyone is considered.
“Jane, there are leaders that are certainly the leaders they are today because of you and your guidance.”
Paying tribute to Ms Turner and her impact on the community, Mount Gambier police officer Sergeant Andy Stott made a special announcement at the farewell celebrations.
“On behalf of the South Australia Police, I would like to acknowledge Jane Turner and everything she has done for this community, she is a very special person and a significant loss,” he said.
“In honour of her, we would like to name the track that goes around the extremity of the school the Jane Turner Action Track.
“The ‘action’ stands for active communities towards involving our neighbours.”
Reminiscing on their time working together at North Primary, former counsellor Marg Bilney said it had been a great journey.
“Jane and I started here in 2002 and it didn’t look at all like it does now,” she said.
“There was a lot to do and the numbers were dropping.
“Jane has helped to form a great team to change and improve the school, with the music program, new buildings, the new arrivals and everything else.”
Receiving a number of gifts and hugs from past and present students, Ms Turner was also treated to a performance by the Mount Gambier Combined Schools Band as they played an original song written especially for her.
“I’ve had an absolute whale of a time at North Primary and throughout my whole career,” she said.
“I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do, with the support of the community and staff – nobody does things alone.”
Introducing the school’s new principal Paul Harmer, who will step into the position from next year, Ms Turner said it was now time for her to move on to the next stage of life.
“I know you will welcome Paul the way you welcomed me all those years ago,” she said.
“Thankyou for letting me play in your backyard, I’ve had a ball and I’ll probably go and play in my own backyard for a while.”
