School pays warm tributes to retiring Anna

The Balla Secondary School community came together at the Castlecourt Hotel to honour the remarkable career of retiring Deputy Principal Anna Finlay, whose 34 years of service have left an indelible mark on the school.

Current and former staff, retired colleagues, and past school leaders attended the event, reflecting the deep respect held for Ms Finlay across generations. Principal Teresa Walsh led the tributes, praising Anna’s unwavering dedication to students, staff and the wider school community. “Anna, you gave our school so much more than years of service, you gave it your heart,” she told attendees.

Ms Finlay began her career as a Geography and Maths teacher, where her passion for her subjects and her ability to inspire curiosity were fondly remembered. She later trained as a Guidance Counsellor, becoming a trusted advisor to countless students and colleagues. For the past nine years she served as Deputy Principal, guiding the school through major developments including significant curriculum changes, substantial campus expansion, and the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. Her national contribution as a Senior Advisor in Geography with the State Examinations Commission was also widely acknowledged.

In her response, Ms Finlay expressed sincere gratitude to her colleagues, noting that the strength of the school lay in its committed and collaborative staff.

The evening concluded with a toast and presentation to a much-admired teacher, leader and friend. Her legacy of care, professionalism and quiet strength will continue to shape Balla Secondary School for many years to come.