Farewell Acknowledgement of Principal Greg Haynes
Our Chairperson of the School Board, Graham Brink, gave a speech farewelling our principal, Greg Haynes at today’s Graduation and Thanksgiving Liturgy.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, many of our school community were unable to attend. We have provided a transcript of Graham Brink’s speech below.
I have been provided with the honour of farewelling Greg today, which I do so today on behalf of the students, staff and parents. My first interaction with Greg was about 10 years ago when I walked into his office with a very excited 4-year old who was about to embark on a journey of lifelong learning. What a wonderful place my children entered, nurtured by loving people with a passion for learning and defined by excellence. This does not happen by accident, and a true measure of any leader is centred in the success of the school as a whole, something so evident at Nativity, a place more than the sum of its parts. Greg, through your exemplary leadership and tenacity, you have been instrumental in moulding a community, a place where we all feel connected and where children can make the impossible come true. You have embraced Catholic Education, something that is so much more than just education and resonates in the school motto, Families living, loving, learning, where there is a real connection to community, connectedness and belonging.
In the words of Nelson Mandela; Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world. You have used this weapon with great effect and have been so influential in opening the doors in the minds of these young children, the doors through which they step as they navigate a very complex world. We as parents never had to worry as we knew our children had been left in the best hands and that you and your team would always be there for them. Your guidance to not only your team but also to these little souls has embodied those magnificent words by Nelson Mandela – you have played a part in making the world of tomorrow a better place.
Students grow and move on, but they never really leave Nativity, it will always be home. Nativity is so much more than bricks and mortar; it is the people within those walls that make a difference, Greg through your leadership you have created a loving, unified community, a place where teachers do so much more than teach, they really care.
If I had to use one word to describe Greg, it would be passionate, always looking to add value to Nativity. A case in point would be the concept of The Campus that provides our children with an extension to facilities and services, but it comes with complexity and responsibility that Greg has embraced. I have witnessed Greg’s tenacity in negotiating for the very best outcomes for not only our students but for all those that step foot on the campus, a true measure of who he is.
Greg, I don’t see this as the end of the journey for you, but rather the beginning of a brand new adventure. Thank you for creating a place where our children can dream high. You have been so busy nurturing our community, and I now hope you get some time to pause and enjoy some golf, your grandchildren, your family and the beauty of time itself. Greg, thank you and farewell.
