Richmond River High Campus are saying farewell to their much loved Principal, Mary-Jane Pell after a 12 month absence on sick leave has led to retirement. Ms Pell will call an end to her long teaching career this Monday August 31.

Ms Pell began teaching in Sydney before moving to the Northern Rivers with stints at Nimbin Central School, Clunes Primary and Richmond River High.

Below is a statement from Ian Davies, the Executive Principal of The Rivers Secondary Colleges (Kadina High, Richmond Rivers and Lismore High)

Dear Lismore community, 

As the Executive Principal Principal of The Rivers Secondary College I would like to acknowledge and farewell Ms Mary Jane Pell as she moves towards retirement.

Ms Pell is a most respected member of The College community and for many years she always followed her responsibilities as an outstanding principal with passion and dedication. This was not only as part of our college, but previously in the local area as Principal of Nimbin Central School and Clunes Public School. 

I feel very saddened that we are losing such an outstanding staff member in our college however we cannot change fate. Ms Pell and her influence on people will be in our hearts forever. She has contributed many years in public education and this has touched the lives of thousands of students.

Ms Pell has been a role model to students and staff in our college and her dedicated years of service will live in our memory. It has been an honour to work with such a dedicated staff member. Her continuous passion for hard work has had an impact on many students through her commitment.   

On behalf of all of our community both past and present can I say thank you and wish you and your family all the best in your retirement​.

Thank you Ms Pell…..Ian Davies December 2020 (Executive Principal)

Ms Pell had posted a letter to the Richmond River High Campus facebook page announcing her retirement saying;

"I have been delighted and feel very privileged to have been a part of your school lives. Young people and their education, either my own or my communities, has always been my first passion.

To those young people who have allowed me to play a part in their lives, no matter how large or small, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have absolutely loved being your Principal.

To the parents and carers of those young people, I thank you for your commitment and your involvement in your young person’s school life, and for many of you, the hours we spent in my office wading through issues, or celebrating your young person’s achievements.

And so it is with sadness, but also with anticipation of life to come, that I bid you all farewell. I have been delighted to have been a part of Richmond River High Campus for the last five years and wish you all well in these tricky times.

It is easy to get an indication about the impact a person can have on our community by the comments that are made;

"Thank you for being a beautiful human. Thank you for being there for parents and children alike".

"You’ve been a beacon of common sense and calm. You can be proud of your legacy".

"You've been an amazing Principal, leading by example, and the school will sorely miss you and your genuine love of the young people you nurtured."

 Mrs Belinda Marr has been filling in the Principal role at Richmond River High Campus and will continue to do so in the short term.