FROM THE ARCHIVES (1981): Tributes to retiring high school principal

Tuesday, March 31, 1981:

A significant era in the history of Narrabri High School came to a close on Friday when the school’s principal for the past 15 years, Miss Betty Berriman, retired.

Under the guidance of Miss Berriman, a popular and highly respected figure in the community and in NSW educational circles, the school has enjoyed 15 years of progress and innovation.

Speakers at a farewell for Miss Berriman at the school last night were unequivocal in their praise of the role Miss Berriman has played in bringing Narrabri High School to its present status as one of the most successful and respected schools in NSW

A large gathering in the High School auditorium heard speakers representing the community and ex-students pay tribute to the retiring principal.

Present at the function was the new Principal, Mr Ray Southward, who has taken over from Miss Berriman, who plans to spend her retirement in Narrabri.

Mrs Gai Westman, who was School Captain the first year Miss Berriman took over at Narrabri High, spoke on behalf of ex-students.

She recalled that students had reacted with horror when they heard that their new Principal was to be a woman.

“We firmly believed that the school would never be the same,” Mrs Westman said, “and it never was.

“Narrabri High School has never looked back since her arrival and we have Miss Berriman to thank for its progress.

“Students, while they are at school, never appreciate what the staff and principal do for them, and it is not until they leave school and look back that they realise the influence the teachers have had on their lives.

“I don’t believe there is one ex-Narrabri High pupil over the past fifteen years who does not feel a deep sense of gratitude for Miss Berriman’s interest and guidance.”

The president of Narrabri Shire Council, Cr Norman Sweetman said Miss Berriman’s record at the High School was second to none.

“The results of her involvement and contribution can be seen in the young people in the community today, and therein lies the real tribute to her,” he said.

Cr Brian Sinclair, representing the citizens of the town spoke of the gratitude owed by the community to Miss Berriman.

Miss Berriman said she planned to make Narrabri her home for the future.

She said the idea of retirement was one that would take some getting used to.

“I’ll miss the contact with people and naturally very much with the students themselves.

“My time at Narrabri is the longest period I have ever spent at one school.

“I told my friends when I was first posted here that I expected to remain for three or four years.

“But when I got here I immediately felt at home.”

Miss Berriman said she had known hundreds of staff and about 400 students at the school over her 15 years.

“I have known most very well and hope I have been able to help and guide them,” Miss Berriman said.

Recalling the past 15 years, Miss Berriman said some things she would always remember – such as planting the oval with Kikuyu by hand, organising students to get to school in the ‘tin hare’ during floods, classes in the weather shed and the joy of being able to take the students out of the shed and into proper accommodation, school functions, the opening of the library block and the move into the assembly hall.

“I remember the pleasure you’ve all shared with me over our many achievements and successes,” she told the audience.

“I feel I have shared with you the good and bad times.”

Miss Berriman said it had always been her aim to maintain stability in the school and to make it a ‘very, very good high school’.”

She added she had received nothing but courtesy and consideration as a woman principal.

She thanked the audience for the gift of friendship and confidence the community had given her and the honour done to her in attending her farewell function.