A Sunbury teaching stalwart is set to retire following two decades of helping lead Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School.
Starting at the school in 2003, Mark Gleeson performed the role of assistant principal until last year, before deciding to step down and ease his way into retirement.
Mr Gleeson said he loved working alongside the school’s three principals during his time – Peter Hayes, the late Paul Hogan and current principal Julie Freeman.
“The highlights have been the school community, and its rich history of 160 plus years, and just being a part of that has been fantastic,” he said.
“The kids have been fantastic. I wouldn’t have stayed here for so long if I didn’t enjoy OLMC.”
Working two days a week for the rest of the school term, it’s only a matter of days before Mr Gleeson steps through the school gates for the last time.
Mr Gleeson said the entire school community, while sad to see him go, are happy for him to start enjoying his retirement.
“I think the students have been pretty sad … but at the same time, they’re happy that I’m going to be doing something now for myself and enjoy my retirement,” he said.
“The staff have been great also. They’ve been doing a countdown with me. This term is a nine-week term so it was 18 days that I had to come to school and they’ve been counting down the days with me.
“I think they’re sad too, but they understand it’s time.”
Mr Gleeson will finish teaching at the end of term three, and looks forward to travelling and devoting time to his hobbies.
