Ms Margetts took over the role in 2007 following time at South Fremantle Senior High School, Melville SHS, Rockingham SHS and a number of other local schools in a career that began in 1973.
She was recently recognised for more than 40 years in the education industry, handed a fellowship by the Australian Council of Educational Leaders at the organisation’s awards presentation in Leederville.
Despite her experience, she said North Lake’s diverse mix of students made for a unique challenge.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘(When I joined) we found we had a group of students with limited schooling or who had drifted away from schooling,’ she said.
‘We needed courses to engage them and either help them get ready for and make a success of Year 11 and 12.
‘We also needed to widen the choices for our students and coming together (with other local schools) has helped students access a wider variety of courses.’
Today North Lake has certificate courses in music, art, business and trades, has worked closely with the University of South Queensland and in 2013 became a Beacon Foundation school, enhancing relationships with businesses.
But Ms Margetts said there was still work still left to do.
‘We will continue to be a safety net for those who have missed out on education opportunities, are unhappy with their current schooling or, after leaving school and moving into a workplace, have realised their goals have changed,’ she said.
‘Hearing the success stories of our students is what energises our teachers and me.’