Craigieburn South Primary School students farewell ‘super’ principal

STELLA Garreffa knew she had made it as a principal when one of her students said she was “better than a Super Mario Brothers game”.

Craigieburn South Primary School students Shanayra, Gaith, Alana and Phillip will farewell Stella Garreffa on June 30. Picture: Ian Currie

STELLA Garreffa knew she had made it as a principal when one of her Craigieburn South Primary School students said she was “better than a Super Mario Brothers game”.

A Grade 2 lad, Carlos, penned the tribute in a card when he learned that Mrs Garreffa, 63, was retiring after 15 years at the school and 45 years as an educator.

Mrs Garreffa said the gesture symbolised the warm, friendly school community she had grown to love.

“As soon as you walk into the school you get a warm, family feeling — it’s a buzz I will miss,” she said.

“We are multicultural school, open and very accepting with strong values of respect and personal excellence.

“Visitors find our children friendly and courteous, opening doors and saying hello.”

When she started at the school there were 520 students, now there are about 700, but Mrs Garreffa noticed bigger changes in the wider Craigieburn community.

“Back 15 years ago there were unmade roads and few services; now it’s a real thriving community,” she said.

Mrs Garreffa has a simple dream when she retires on June 30: “I want to wake up every morning thinking it’s a Saturday with time for family, friends and travel.”