Principals and lifelong friends celebrated for 50 years teaching Victoria’s students
FROM prep to teacher training, two school principals — and lifelong friends — have shared an amazing 50-year journey educating Victorian students.
Education
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A PAIR of principals who have been friends since kindergarten have been honoured for a remarkable 50 years educating Victoria’s students.
Maureen Price and Denise Clarke met as tiny tots at St Augustine’s in Yarraville and spent their learning lives together, from primary to high school, and even teacher training.
Half a century on, the pair celebrated another milestone together on stage at the Recognition of Service Awards.
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“We stood in the front row because we’ve always been in the front row together,” Dr Clarke laughed, reflecting on their school class photos.
Assistant principal at Jacana School for Autism, Dr Clarke recalled their early conversations about teaching.
“I initially wanted to be a podiatrist,” she said of her plans during high school.
“I remember Maureen saying, ‘Why would you want to work with people’s feet?’ I replied, ‘Why would you want to stand up in front of a group of students?’ Obviously all that changed.”
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Mossfiel Primary School principal Ms Price was thankful not just for the “great career” she has loved, but that she’s been able to share it with her friend.
“We ask advice of each other all the time — because we know each other so well, you can say whatever you like,” she said.
And after half a century, it doesn’t seem like the pair are planning to hang up their hats just yet.
“People ask when I’m going to retire and I always say, ‘When I don’t love it any more’,” Ms Price said, while Dr Clarke added, “I think it comes down to you really enjoying what you’re doing”.
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