Farewell Michael Smith , Hills Grammar Principal
The Hills Grammar community bids farewell to a much loved and esteemed Principal , Michael Smith . Mr Smith served as Principal for almost five years after 17 years as Deputy Principal . From his first speech in 1999 , Mr Smith identified how his values aligned so perfectly with those of the school .
Hills Grammar ’ s celebration of diversity , as well as its challenges , opportunities and creativity appealed to this leader and humanitarian , who was to make his mark on student-centred learning . This is fundamental to the school ’ s mission of fostering each student ’ s potential for greatness .
Michael Smith was a transformational principal , inspiring staff and students alike , to meet challenges and to actualise the goals inherent in its vision , Extraordinary Education – Extraordinary Individuals .
It is a tribute to his deep and abiding humanity that he made it his personal as well as his professional endeavour to support every child , every family , every member of staff , who was willing to embrace the school motto , Strive for Excellence .
Mr Smith demonstrated his leadership in so many ways . Some luminous
Michael Smith was a transformational principal , inspiring staff and students alike , to meet challenges and to actualise the goals inherent in the school ’ s vision
examples include the development of the Student Wellbeing Program , the nurturing of an international perspective and the recognition of alumni as partners in learning and as valuable contributors to society .
In Mr Smith ’ s own words as the newly appointed principal ,
“ We have , in 2017 and beyond , an opportunity to unite and in so doing achieve extraordinary things together .”
“ Hills Grammar has been developed and deliberately created for this purpose – not for its own sake , but to ensure that our students are provided with an environment and atmosphere which is conducive to learning , discovery of their passions and formation of their character .
“ This is our task , our challenge and our opportunity .”
He can rest assured that this challenge was more than met , and the staff and students will continue to face the future with the optimism and energy he demonstrated daily .
The Hills Grammar community sincerely thanks Michael Smith for his tireless dedication , energy and humanity over the past 23 years of service and wishes him the best for all future endeavours .
26 ISSUE 137 // OCTOBER 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT