It was my final school before I retired from teaching in 2009.
When I was appointed, the school had around 60 students.
As the Shepparton area continued to grow, so too did enrolments year after year.
Throughout my 16 years, the school and wider school community worked together as a team to achieve many improvements, including better road safety measures with reduced speed restrictions around the school, a right-hand turning lane on Mitchell Rd, sealing Cemetery Rd for parent parking and turning, securing extra land for the school from a neighbouring farm
New classrooms were established as student numbers increased, upgrading the staffroom, office and principal’s office, and renovating the Prep to Grade 2 open learning classroom.
Some of my fondest memories are of our school concert nights held on the back of a tray truck, with Santa arriving on a motorbike throwing bags of lollies, while parents enjoyed their tea sitting on blankets until dark.
Leading teacher Jim Shanahan was a driving force behind the school’s technology development and the introduction of computers into classrooms.
Jim was also the instigator of our after-school care program, which supported students until parents finished work.
One of our major educational programs was Guy Claxton’s Building Learning Power.
This gave students and teachers a shared language around learning, helping students take greater ownership and control of their lifelong learning journey.
All teachers and support staff were incredibly professional and dedicated to students, fellow staff members and parents.
It was a privilege to watch them all in action.
I wish KWPS all the best in achieving 150 years of education service to the Shepparton area and wish principal Wes Teague all the best in beginning the quest towards 200 years of history.
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