Shaping young minds: Beloved Toowoomba principal waves goodbye after nearly two decades

Meet the incoming principal for Centenary Heights State High School after current headmaster Maryanne Walsh OAM steps down after almost 20 years.

A WELL-DESERVED but bittersweet break for a Toowoomba principal will start at the beginning of next year, as the long-term teacher waves goodbye.

Maryanne Walsh OAM has been principal of the Centenary Heights State High School for more than 19 years, and while she has loved her journey with the district, has made the decision to step back from January 16.

“I’ve sat through many people’s retirements and assisted them to think differently and place themselves first, but when it comes to yourself, you forget all your wisdom,” she said.

“You just know (when its time). One day it just hits you. For me, that was 18 months ago.”

Mrs Walsh began her stint with the school in 2003, when she stepped into the role of Acting Principal, before becoming permanent principal the following school term.

“This is paradise,” she said.

“It has been an absolute joy. I have loved watching the growth in my colleagues in terms of their capacity as teachers, and that’s around the way this place works.

“This place is a juggernaut.

“It is high-end standards, expectations, focus. I always say to our staff, “High expectations of ourselves and our students and our families”.

“Focus, teaching and engaged learning. All of our structures hang off that, and it works a treat.”

Centenary Heights State High School executive principal Maryanne Walsh has stepped down from the position after 19 years, Monday, December 20, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mrs Walsh said the future was full of possibilities and was currently a blank page.

“What I’m looking for is a change of pace. I want some more time for family and for me,” she said.

“I still have a lot to give to people who are in my profession who do not have my experience.

“I want to give that back, but I just don’t know yet what that will look like, and I'm okay with that.

“I love to coach others to love it as much as I have loved it.”

Mrs Walsh said she has loved her job, and the passion for the task at hand never changed.

“[I hope my] legacy is my care of students and staff, my expectation of students and staff, and the start of really great lives for young people,” she said.

“The students are unreal, the staff are equally unreal, and there’s a love of the job – no question because of the people with whom I work, and I know I’m blessed.”

Lockyer District State High School principal Darren Cook will step into the role as Centenary Heights State High School principal from January 17.

“I think he's picked up an exceptional working environment,” Mrs Walsh said.

“Our staff and students are an absolute pleasure to work with everyday.

“I’ve loved it and it’s been bittersweet.”

Mr Cook said he is “enthusiastic about the prospects of moving the school forward”.

“It will be wonderful to follow Maryanne Walsh, who’s been there for a long time,” he said.

“I’m excited to continue the work she’s done and keep going with the school to meet the needs of the community.”