Newlands Primary School
Nathan LAMBERT (Preston) (13:43): I would also like to acknowledge and thank Ross Dudgeon, who retired this year after 42 years service to the Department of Education, the last 14 of which were as principal of Newlands Primary School. When Ross arrived at the school in 2009 there were only 90 or so students enrolled and there were some concerns about the school’s viability. He introduced the bilingual Spanish–English program, which is unique in the state, and oversaw a significant transformation of the school’s culture and buildings. Enrolments are now up around 400, and Ross has left the school in a very positive place, exemplified by the great turnout on the weekend for their annual Fete de la Primavera. We wish Ross the best for his future and congratulate new principal Luke Cripps.