Coombabah State School principal Murray Gleadhill announces retirement

The beloved principal of a Gold Coast primary school has announced his abrupt departure, calling it a “difficult decision”. Find out why.

Murray Gleadhill at the Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards 2024. Picture: Portia Large.

The beloved principal of a Gold Coast primary school has announced his sudden retirement after receiving a devastating health diagnosis.

Coombabah State School principal Murray Gleadhill revealed on Friday he will leave the role after 12 years, effective immediately.

In a letter to parents, Mr Gleadhill said doctors discovered he had a severely blocked artery in his heart.

“Fairly sobering news,” he said.

“I will be heading to hospital in the next couple of weeks with some repair work to be completed.

“After much deliberation, considering my family history and the pace, workload, and stress of the role, which I have enjoyed immensely, I have made the very difficult decision to finish my career to focus on my future health.

“I have made this decision so that it may be possible to advertise as soon as possible for a principal to continue to lead the school forward.”

Mr Gleadhill was a finalist in the Local Hero category at the Gold Coast’s Australian of the Year Awards in July last year.

In a post on the school’s Facebook page, he was described as a principal who wants the best for all those around him and the community as a whole.

“He has given his life to help educate students around Queensland and support the communities around him,” the post read.

“Murray makes change through leading by example, by doing rather than only talking, by lending a helping hand no matter what.

“There is no ‘knock off’ time for Murray.

“He is genuine and integrous in his decision making and considers the impact on all stakeholders to determine the greatest good.”

Until a new principal was found, another teacher will take on the role of acting principal.

“Our school has a good name in our community, and I encourage you to continue to send your child to school each day and work collaboratively with your child’s teacher,” Mr Gleadhill wrote in the letter.

“I look forward to hearing of the continued success of the school and encourage you to continue your support of each other and your children.

“Thank you for the support you have always provided to me.

“I have enjoyed the many different experiences and successes we have achieved over my past 12 years at Coombabah.”

Originally published as Coombabah State School principal Murray Gleadhill announces retirement