When Neville Lyngcoln strolled down the corridors of Yarra Valley Grammar for the last time as principal last week, he could recall 36 years spent at the school.

Mr Lyngcoln started at Yarra Valley as a teacher in 1973, when the school was just seven years old.

He has seen many changes, including the school’s move into co-education in 1978. ‘‘Yarra Valley was a young school when I first arrived and it has really progressed over the years,’’ Mr Lyngcoln said.

‘‘The highlight for me has been the development of a very positive attitude throughout the school and the idea of working as a team.’’

Mr Lyngcoln became head of Yarra Valley’s middle school in 1991 and principal in 1997. He said the students’ achievements had constantly left him ‘‘impressed and energised’’.

‘‘I think a school’s aim is to create quality opportunities for its students, whether it is academic, arts, music or sports,’’ he said.

‘‘Yarra Valley does it well. If you set a high standard the students can astound you with what they can do.’’

Deputy principal Andrew Hocking said Mr Lyngcoln had made an ‘‘outstanding contribution’’.

Maroondah Leader - April 7, 2009
Reporter - Shaun Campbell

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