Artistic life awaits principal

After 23 years as part of the Manjimup Senior High School community, principal Kerry Mather will say goodbye at the end of the term.

Ms Mather will retire after 44 years with the Department of Education, of which she spent almost half as MSHS principal.

“I started as a physical education teacher in 1977, worked at three city schools, then four years in the Pilbara before I came to Manjimup in 1998,” she said.

Ms Mather, pictured, started her Manjimup journey as the deputy principal, becoming acting principal and then being appointed principal — a position she has held for 21 years.

She and her partner have built a new home and will be moving after the end of the school year.

“I have an artistic side, so we’ve built an art studio at our new home,” Ms Mather said.

During her time at Manjimup Senior High School, Ms Mather said she had enjoyed being involved in such a wonderful school community.

“Over the years I’ve seen that Manjimup has great country students who are generally interested in learning,” she said.

“The biggest change in the environment over the years has been the buildings, there’s not a lot more to do in this school in terms of building.”

One of her proudest aspects as principal has been the consistently high student achievement in Year 12 and during NAPLAN.

“I’m really invested in this school after 23 years and hope I can hand over to someone who feels the same way,” Ms Mather said.

“This is a hard thing to do but the time is right.

“It’s been a privilege, it has been the most wonderful experience for me and my family.”