Dr Miller: Surgeon and Prime Minister

SONDRA WOLFENDEN, HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL & JULIE BICKETT, HEAD OF EARLY LEARNING

Dr Miller has been a literal icon to children of Campbell House for the last decade. His attendance at assemblies, amongst many other events, causes a stir of excitement as he arrives dressed in a suit, with perfectly shined shoes and his infamous ‘Labrador’ socks, that are especially popular amongst our youngest learners.

Children at Campbell House usually suspect Dr Miller of being a surgeon of some sort – the word ‘Dr’ often the culprit of this assumption. But the analogy stands true as he is, in fact, a fixer of things. He is someone with steady hands who we can rely on with a steadfast commitment to ensuring we are all thriving here at The Geelong College. Then, there is the other regular assumption that Dr Miller is the Prime Minister. This may not be such an easy analogy – but we believe that children see this as a compliment –because, after all, isn’t he the ‘boss’?

In true Campbell House spirit, we thought it would be best to offer questions to our children to find out their thoughts on Dr Miller. So, on a sunny Friday morning, one child from each class, ranging from Early Learning 3 to Year 3, gathered in the boardroom for a very special meeting with the aim of getting to the bottom of these important questions:

Who is Dr Miller?

‘He’s like the Prime Minister, but of the school, not the world’

‘He’s a boss and he keeps the school running and everybody in it safe’

‘Dr Miller is kind because he looks out for the school’

‘He’s a principal and also a person’

‘His name is ‘Doctor’ because he went to a high level in university’

What is his job?

‘Dr Miller helps problems get solved’

‘Dr Miller keeps the Early Learning children safe by not letting them out of the gate’

‘Dr Miller helps us get more supplies for our school. Like new chairs and more food for the staff’

‘He gives detentions. Detentions are a consequence and that’s what principals do – they give out consequences!’

‘I think he’s very traditional. He comes to assemblies and celebrates special events with us.’

‘His office is at the church. I think my mum has been in his office. It’s in the tallest tower at Senior School. It must be at the top of the school.’

“Dr Miller’s job is a very big job because our school is a very big and important place.”

‘I remember when he helped us be Nature Rangers last year’

‘Yeah, remember he had his own cape, and he told all the big kids to clean up?’

There was a resounding feeling of affection and wonder amongst our children as they discussed the values and acts of goodwill Dr Miller contributes to the daily life of our school. This led to our final question:

What advice would you like to give Dr Miller as he moves to a different school?

‘Don’t retire yet, you’re only about 40 years old’

‘I think he’s more like 47. But young enough!’

‘I think Dr Miller should keep shining his shoes’

‘It’s kind that you are helpful to everyone’

On a more serious note, it must be said that Dr Miller has been an important and formative part of our children’s education and growth. His words of wisdom and genuine guidance in how to be good humans and make a positive difference in our world have always been valued and appreciated by children, families and staff at Campbell House. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the help, kindness and care he has sprinkled over Campbell House and its inhabitants. He has left a legacy on our Junior School by leading us through our redevelopment to ensure we continue to be an outstanding school for many decades to come.

We personally thank him for his support of early years education and the importance he placed on Reggio Emilia inspired learning. His leadership has ensured we see children (even our very youngest) as capable and competent and full of potential – always.

We wish him all the best with the move to Sydney and the beginning of a new exciting chapter.

‘Just remember, Dr Miller, you will always be our friend’ – Evelyn, aged 4