Sutherland Dianella Primary School principal and deputy principal to retire

Both the school’s principal Stana Couzic and its deputy principal Susan McGinnity have decided to retire at the year’s end.

The pair has led the school since 2002, when Mrs Couzic was appointed principal and Mrs McGinnity deputy.

Mrs Couzic said her legacy would be the new buildings, completed over three years which improved the learning environment for students and teachers.

Her retirement marks the end of almost 42 years as a teacher and principal, starting at Pemberton District High School, where she was paid less than her male counterparts.

Since then her career included positions in Newman, Kalgoorlie and throughout the Wheatbelt, as well as a realignment of salaries ensuring women had equal pay.

‘I gained so much satisfaction by being able to play a role in helping kids to be the very best they can be,’ she said.

‘We can learn so much about life and ourselves from their honesty, sense of social justice and uncomplicated view of the world.’

While Mrs Couzic will leave the school at the end of the year, her ties with education will not stop, as her son is also a principal.

Mrs McGinnity’s tenure at the school has stretched 20 years. ‘My proudest achievements have been witnessing the growth and development of students as they have passed through the school,’ she said.

‘One former student recently came back with her child to discuss her enrolment as she had enjoyed being at the school.’

Parent Supra Sharma said the retirements would be a loss to the community.

‘During Stana’s tenure I have seen her work hard and tirelessly to achieve the growth of the cafeteria, music, choir, camps and excursions,’ she said.

‘Last but not least, Stana and the staff brought up the standard of the school to become an independent primary school.’