After six years as Principal of Tin Can Bay P-10 school, Desley Kirby has accepted the role of Principal of the Kuranda District State College P-12 starting in 2022.
The new position will see Mrs Kirby overseeing 450 children, compared to 300 in her recent role at Tin Can Bay.
Originally from Gayndah, Mrs Kirby left to study education and her roles since have included Deputy Principal of Hervey Bay High and Bundaberg High, with Tin Can Bay her first Principal role.
Deputy Principal Sandy Lewis, who has been Mrs Kirby’s deputy for four years said: “I will miss the laughs, and the learning from her as she is the kind of leader I would like to be“.
“I like her way with people and her human side. She is kind and compassionate and I will miss our friendship.“
The school held a Christmas concert on the last day of school starring The Grinch (aka Sandy) and the Elf (aka Head of Curriculum Rebecca Turner) and Mr and Mrs Clause (aka Desley and husband Geoff).
While Sandy and Rebecca along with fellow staff member Jane, had organised the helicopter ride, and had hoped to keep it a surprise, Mrs Kirby needed to sign off on the ride, so they had to tell her, however no-one else in the school knew.
In the script the reindeers were leaving, and the elf said to the teachers and students that they had to follow and as they walked to oval, surprise, the chopper was waiting for them.
Sandy said: “The parents and kids loved it and were squealing and cheering and it made everyone’s day while Mrs Kirby cried through the whole flight. “The students, staff and parents made a TCB in human bodies which could be seen from the sky.
“What a wonderful way for the whole school to say goodbye and thank such a valued leader over the past six years.“
Sandy said her colleague had high expectations, was extremely compassionate, led by example, and brought in programs that really helped the foundation of the school.
“She helped all our behaviour work and trauma informed practices with the whole school showing a huge decline in negative behaviour.”
“The staff loved and respected Desley because she walked the walk, had a great sense of humour, and had an authentic and compassionate way with kids.”
Sandy said Grade 10 English thrived under her teaching and 92 per cent of the schools’ secondary students passed English which is a high statistic for any region.
The school was awarded first place in the Network Ten showcase award for excellence in the early and primary years which was a tribute to the work accomplished by staff.
Incoming Principal Daman Weir takes on the top job in 2022 and has come from a P-10 state school in Biggenden. He is reportedly excited to take on the reins and ready for the challenge of bringing new skills to the school.
Desley will be missed but as they say, Tin Can Bay’s loss will be Kuranda’s gain, with staff already making plans for a road trip to Kuranda during 2022.
