Upwey High School principal Greg Holman will retire later this month after 13 years at the school.
By Paul Pickering
AS A self-proclaimed “flatlander” from Melbourne’s inner-eastern suburbs, retiring principal Greg Holman says it has been a privilege to come to work at Upwey High School for the past 13 years.
After announcing that he will vacate the headmaster’s office at the end of this term, Mr Holman last week reflected fondly on the challenges and triumphs of his tenure.
Mr Holman arrived at Upwey High School in 1994 to assume the role of assistant principal, before becoming principal in 2000.
During his tenure, Mr Holman has overseen a major shift in teaching methods and technology, yet he describes this evolution as being exciting rather than daunting.
Throughout this transition period, he says, the local community has been a constant source of inspiration and support.
“It’s really the hills community school,” he said. “The level of involvement and interaction with the students, parents and local community is something that I haven’t experienced (in other schools).”
Having forged such lasting ties with local community groups and businesses, Mr Holman says his retirement will not signal an end to his involvement with the hills community.
“It’s always a sad time when you walk away from something you’ve been doing for so long, but I’m sure I’ll maintain some of the friendships I’ve made,” he said.
For Upwey High School’s current assistant principal Val Doyle, Mr Holman’s legacy will be the establishment of an open dialogue with all members of the school community.
“His door has always been open,” she said.
“He’s been so approachable and has always dealt with every issue individually – on its merits.”
On a more tangible level, Ms Doyle says that Mr Holman’s role in driving the three stages of Upwey High School’s building master plan – including a multi-purpose performance space and open learning centre – has been one of his greatest achievements.
Mr Holman said that some of his fondest memories of Upwey High School would come from school camps, where students and teachers had the opportunity to see each other in a different light.
Certainly, last year’s Year 11 camp to central Australia – in which Mr Holman had his head and moustache shaved to raise $1400 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service – was one such moment.
In retirement, Mr Holman plans to do some part-time and volunteer work for the Royal Children’s Hospital before heading off to Vietnam to assist with school development programs.
His last day at Upwey High School will be on Friday 21 September.
