As the school year drew to a close, two remarkable individuals at Urangan Point State School are preparing to embark on the next chapters of their lives.

With nearly 70 years of combined experience, Leanne Angeles and Mark Fowler have played pivotal roles in shaping the lives of countless students, staff, and families.

Leanne Angeles (retired at the end of 2024) first became connected to the school in 1987 when she enrolled her eldest son in preschool.

"It has been my life ever since," she reflects.

Over the years, Leanne transitioned from being a parent volunteer to a dedicated teacher’s aide, primarily supporting the lower school.

Despite offers elsewhere, she never considered leaving.

“It would have taken me out of my comfort zone,” she says, noting the close friendships she’s formed over the years.

Leanne has been a strong advocate for the school, becoming a lifetime member of the Parents & Citizens (P&C) committee and having a building named in her honour—two of her proudest accomplishments.

She also played a key role in organising the school’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations in 1991 and the 100th Centenary Celebrations in 2016.

Mark Fowler, who will retire in early 2025, joined the school as a teacher and has served as Deputy Principal for many years.

Reflecting on his journey, he says, “When I first got transferred here, I thought the principal had been here for ages—now look at me!"

Mark has overseen numerous school developments, from refurbishing buildings to the construction of a new hall, shaping the school’s physical environment.

Mark, a humble leader, says his greatest achievement is “making a positive difference in the lives of students and staff.”

His leadership and dedication to education have earned him the respect of all.

Often described as "the heart of the school," he has provided steady guidance and support to the school community.

We asked both what they are going to miss the most and what they are most looking forward to.

Mr Fowler: I am looking forward to my alarm not going off in the mornings and being able to do things I would like to do rather than things I have to do.

I am going to miss people the most (both adult and child).

I am also going to miss the amount of walking I currently do because I will have to purposefully go for a walk rather than clock up thousands of steps a day as part of my job.

Mrs Angeles: I will miss all my amazing co-workers, some who I have worked alongside for many years and some fairly new, but all lovely.

I will miss the impromptu hugs and little drawings and flowers stolen from someone’s garden the kids have picked on their way to school.

I will also miss the friendly chats and the loving support on the ‘not so good’ days.

I will miss coming in early and sitting in the quiet classroom, usually doing jobs, but relaxing before the start of my day.

I will even miss the duties where I get to talk to so many of the students.

I am looking forward to spending more time with my mum and family and doing a bit of travelling and camping. It is time to slow down and enjoy the next stage of my life.

Together, Leanne and Mark have fostered a deep sense of community and helped shape the school’s legacy across multiple generations.

Their retirement represents not just the end of an era for Urangan Point State School but also a milestone in the lives of the many students and families they’ve influenced.