Ann finishes with starting five

THERE are five Orange Anglican Grammar students who hold a special place in principal Ann Brown’s heart. 

She started the school with the five students six years ago and will miss them the most when she retires at the end of the year. 

“They’re all very special to me, I will miss seeing them grow and achieve things everyday,” she said.

Mrs Brown said she would keep her promise to one boy to see him graduate year 12.

“Oh yes I will come back, I’ll miss them all too much,” she said.

Mrs Brown started the school from scratch six years ago with 12 students. The school now runs to year 9 and has 304 students. 

Orange Anglican Grammar was not the first school Mrs Brown started. She also headed up an Anglican school in Tamworth.

“I learnt a lot from the first time,” she said. “Particularly concerning council development applications and I’m more aware of how to get extra funding through grants.”

Mrs Brown said she was disappointed she wouldn’t be part of the school when the first year 12 students graduate but does not regret her decision.

“It’s a seven-day-a-week job,” she said.

She said she was looking forward to retirement but would keep a keen eye on the school’s progression.

“I’ll do something ... I’m not sure what, part-time looks good,” Mrs Brown said.

Mrs Brown said she had high hopes for the next principal.

“I hope they are someone who isn’t afraid to really roll their sleeves up and get into it with the students,” she said.

“I hope they’re really enthusiastic and not afraid of hard work.

“I see it as a journey and the journey is not over.”

Mrs Brown said she was amazed at how far the school had come from its humble beginnings in the Anglican Church hall. 

“There’s been lots of children who’ve said they’re not going to let me leave which is really encouraging,” she said.

Mrs Brown said she had been employed by the Anglican Church for her 35-year teaching career. 

She said she would not comment on the Anglican Church sell-off.