Otara principal retires

After more than 15 years as the principal of Flat Bush Primary School in Otara, Pat Chamley is looking forward to riding his bike whenever he feels like it, instead of the usual 6am.

Chamley was appointed to the position of principal at Flat Bush Primary in 2001 and will be retiring at the end of term three.

Deputy Principal Julie Shirley says Chamley has ‘‘taken the children, staff and community on a fantastic learning journey into the 21st century’’.

‘‘He leaves huge shoes to be filled.’’

One of Chamley’s first impressions of the school was the behaviour of students. ‘‘I walked into an office full of naughty children!’’

In his time at the school he has seen a marked improvement in the area and has been embraced by the Otara students and their families.

‘‘I love working at Flat Bush, it’s a neat community to work with.’’

The best part of his job, he says, has been ‘‘seeing students achieving great success academically, socially and across all areas of life’’.

He will be remembered as ‘‘a principal who stands up for what he believes in, even if it is controversial’’, says Junior Syndicate leader Janetta Mayerhofler.

After he retires, he plans to work as a relief principal and hopes to ride his bike daily.