Matthew GUY (Bulleen) (15:18): I want to begin today by sending my best wishes to Birralee Primary School’s much loved and admired but retiring principal Ashley Ryan. Mr Ryan started with the department back in 1972 under the old studentship program. He has been the school principal of Birralee since October 1999. The school has been in a situation in recent times where it was down to 150 students, but he actually believed in Birralee. It has now got more than 600 students, and it is one of the pre-eminent schools in the Manningham area. Seventeen years ago he introduced the phonics English language program into Birralee. The improvements in students were remarkable. Phonics, as you know, has only become compulsory in Victorian primary schools this year. What sets Ashley apart is his leadership style and his commitment to children. He connects with the students and their parents. He is well loved by staff and the broader community. Since he has been principal Birralee has grown not only in student numbers but in confidence, outcomes and its reputation. It is widely now known, as I said, as a school of choice, and a very popular one at that. Congratulations and best wishes to Birralee’s retiring hardworking and much-loved principal Ashley Ryan.