By LIA SPENCER
TWENTY years ago, Facebook was unheard of, One Direction members were only toddlers and ‘slap bracelets’ were a thing.
A lot has changed since then, but one thing that has remained the same — the principal at Bunyip Primary School.
Ted Lease celebrated 20 years of service this month, and said he had no intention of stepping down any time soon.
The 60-year-old said he was thrilled with his position at the school and loved working with the students and staff.
“I can’t imagine that I have done 20 years already- it has gone so quick. I have thoroughly enjoyed every day,” he said.
“Bunyip Primary School is such a fantastic school to work at. It’s a great size, with about 270 children which means I know every student. The students are always eager and enthusiastic to learn, and we have always had a fantastic supportive school community, and a wonderful staff,” he said.
Prior to taking over as principal, Mr Lease worked as a teacher for 10 years, and then head teacher at Buln Buln Primary School for six years.
Mr Lease said the biggest change he had seen at the schools throughout his career was the advances in technology and the pressure put on teachers.
“The expectation society has on teachers is huge. The work load has increased and what they are required to do has increased,” Mr Lease said.
“But I still think it is a fantastic career to have. It is demanding, but I love it and am far too young to quit. The day I lose enjoyment from it is when I will consider a new challenge. But for now, I enjoy it and am enthusiastic about the future.”
Mr Lease said the school recently created a four-year improvement plan which included implementing a range of specialist programs and upgrading current facilities.
