Goodbye Ms Kelly!

Hundreds of families and students, both past and present, attended a special farewell assembly at Cannonvale State School earlier this week, an opportunity to say goodbye and good luck to the much-loved School Principal, Angie Kelly.

For the past 11 years Ms Kelly has been the charismatic leader for the local primary school and is renowned for her lively weekly assemblies that keep both students and parents entertained.

She is also widely respected for being a hands-on Principal who is often in the classroom and works closely with both staff and children.

A star-like presence in the school, Ms Kelly in fact wanted to be follow a career in the dramatic arts when she was younger, but when she spoke with her father after finishing high-school he said:

“There is no greater stage on earth than teaching!”

And since then, Ms Kelly has definitely proven that to be true – her passion for the bi-annual school musicals a perfect example of how she lights up the stage and encourages all her students to do the same.

Ms Kelly has taught at many schools and had many adventures during the course of her teaching career so far, but it is Cannonvale State School that captured her heart for the longest time.

“I’ve spent a fifth of my life here which is the longest I’ve spent anywhere!” she commented.

Beginning her teaching practice in 1995, Ms Kelly taught at the Glass House Mountains and Thursday Island before travelling around the world with her husband just after they met.

The couple were volunteer teachers in Africa for some time and also in the Torres Straits before moving back to Australia where they started a family.

Deciding to apply for Principal positions, Ms Kelly was successful at securing a role at Marinda State School in Bowen, before moving over to Cannonvale State High School in 2012.

“There is so much I love about teaching!” she said.

“Kids are just magic, it’s an absolute privilege to help shape their minds and mould their futures – schools are such joyful places to be and I have loved every second.

“I have made so many connections with every community – there is such an outstanding staff and community here in Cannonvale and I thank them for embracing everything I’ve cooked up over the years!

“I will miss them all!”

Ms Kelly will also be remembered as a driving force behind the Principal’s Pre-School which welcomes pre-school-age children to experience and get to know the school environment prior to starting prep.

Retired teacher and a Cannonvale State School student grandmother, Jan Smith, said she has never met a principal quite like Ms Kelly.

“I have known many teachers in my life, but no-one comes close to Ms Kelly - not even close!” she said.

“Your talents, your devotion, your personality, your love for your students and your 'team’ - incomparable - you are 'amazing' as we say to our students!”

Ms Kelly will brighten another school with her amazing talents next year and is due to become school principal at Ironside State School in St Lucia, Brisbane.

She and her husband decided to move to Brisbane to be closer to their two children who are going to university nearby.

“I am not someone who says goodbye, I will always carry everyone in my heart and every memory in my mind,” she shared.

“Thank you to everyone, it’s been an emotional week, and I am so grateful to you all.”

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Cannonvale State School Principal Angie Kelly is leaving after 11 years. Photo supplied

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