I congratulate and farewell Ross Whelan as he retires from his position as principal at Thomas Hassall Anglican College after 17 years in the post. On Saturday 28 October I had the pleasure of attending Mr Whelan's farewell dinner. The dinner was attended by hundreds, including close family and friends, colleagues, staff and former students. As a testament to his legacy, the audience were treated to the musical stylings of several Thomas Hassall bands. Each of these talented musicians are a product of a long-running musical program instituted under Ross's watch. I was particularly impressed with Cohehsion's rendition of the Dave Brubeck standardTake Five. Ross has left an indelible legacy not just on Thomas Hassall and its students but also the local community and the education sector as a whole. I will miss our thoughtful conversations on all manner of topics from the deeply strategic to the mundane. As the community farewells Mr Whelan, I look forward to working with his successor, Karen Easton, as the school continues to make its mark on the Leppington electorate.