Gladysdale Primary School’s principal Tara Jenner has called it quits after four fruitful years leading the school.
The announcement was made on the Gladysdale Primary School’s Facebook page on 2 October where parents and community members left comments expressing their love, support and appreciation.
“Sorry to see you go Tara. You definitely did wonderful things for the school. Good luck for the future,” said one user, Catherine McKail.
Another commenter, Rebecca Paul, said Ms Jenner was “amazing” and thanked her for the support.
Kelly Frost said: “Thank you for sharing your energy, enthusiasm and exuberance for life and your love of teaching and learning.”
The Gladysdale Primary School was established in 1918 and serves students from Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Three Bridges and Powelltown.
During Ms Jenner’s tenure, the school has found a range of ways to enhance its offerings for students and community.
A community pantry stocked with apples sourced from Sanders Apples and other food donations from generous families has provided for those who need it.
She’s also sourced a State Government grant which helped establish an outside school hours care service.
Determined students also paved way for a new wildlife caution road sign in 2023 which demonstrated the school’s commitment to giving students a voice.
Ms Jenner has also led the school during a difficult period where delays to its new building left the school in limbo.
A $2.6m project was announced as part of the 2020-21 State Government budget and would deliver new student engagement spaces, upgraded bathrooms and improved disability access to a new office.
It was expected to be completed in October 2023, but material shortages meant the completion date had been moved back to Q4 2024.
But the delays were outside of the school’s control and Ms Jenner was thanked for her dedication to ensuring the works were completed.
“We are very thankful for our principal Tara Jenner’s support, she has been amazing throughout this process,” school council president Michelle Mock said in a Herald Sun article from December 2023.
