Dr Nick Miller, Principal of the Australian International School
The following is a message given by the High Commissioner for the occasion to farewell outgoing Principal of the Australian International School, Dr Nick Miller.
Dear Nick,
In the presence of so many of your friends at AIS, I wanted to record the very high standing in which I hold you, both as a leader of a key Australian institution in Singapore, and as a man.
From the first time we met, two things were clear. First, you had a passion for the development of young people and for education. You spoke of your love for children in an instinctive, authentic way. You clearly have that deep within you.
I had met many teachers before, some of them of great quality. But I had never met someone with the same passion and commitment you demonstrated as educator, and a developer of young people’s talent.
The second thing that was clear to me – from the first, but always - was that you wanted to make a difference. Some people regard holding a position like yours as an end in itself. You clearly didn’t. Being Principal of AIS was about what you could do for others.
I remember that, at our first meeting, you said “you are not going to be one of those High Commissioners who just plays golf and goes to cocktail parties, are you?” This was a bit intimidating (as I do play golf, and I don’t mind a drink!). But your question, your challenge to me, was – are you here to make a difference? That betrayed something of you, Nick, your commitment and your personal integrity.
In these and many other ways, we all learned from you. We are inspired by you. In my own case, we are a bit better for having you in our lives.