AFTER four and a half fantastic years as Principal of Wombat Public School, Michael Ostler has decided, following long deliberation to leave and take up the Principal’s position at Parkes East Public School.
It is a bittersweet moment for Mr Ostler, who came to Wombat from Young North Public School in 2004 after previous principal Danny Spillane moved on.
“It has been a wonderful time for both me and my family and we have thoroughly enjoyed the Wombat experience,” Mr Ostler said.
“It is a privilege to work in a small school where you get to interact so closely with the students and come to know them all both in and out of the school,” Mr Ostler said.
“We have all had some memorable experiences including some great school excursions such as snow camp, our trips to Broken Bay and also the Schools Spectacular for three years.”
It has been a busy time at Wombat with several big projects undertaken and completed including the $40,000 fixed playground equipment finished in September last year and the watering system only recently finished.
“I have been very fortunate to work with very talented people on staff and within a very close and supportive community,” Mr Ostler said.
“Projects like these can’t be achieved without such dedicated support and the benefits will be there for the school students for years into the future.
“We have been fortunate as well to see some good technology come into the school in that time including the video conferencing facilities which should continue to widen the scope of learning opportunities for the students.”
Mr Ostler added that the interaction between all the small schools was a very worthwhile memory.
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the collegiality of the schools within the Murrimboola Learning Community and loved getting involved in the combined events,” he said.
“It is all part of what makes a small school unique in the opportunities it offers students.”
In particular Mr Ostler will miss the hands on aspect of his job for the past several years, moving to a larger school with a non-teaching role as principal.
“For almost five years, I have worked with the students and families and watched as each child grew and blossomed as they learnt.
“That is always a rewarding experience made more so by the closeness and community spirit of Wombat Public School.
“I and my family will very much miss Wombat and are sorry to leave, however this is entirely a long term career opportunity.”
And as for the future of the school that has become a big part of Mr Ostler’s life.
“It is a fantastic school, and it is certain to have a great future,” he says.
“I would like to thank everyone in the community for the great support they have shown me and all the well wishes they have kindly given.”
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