Newcastle Grammar School head Erica Thomas reflects on eight years at helm

Erica Thomas said she had enjoyed seeing Newcastle change; living in the inner city; and becoming part of the community. "I believed when I came here I had to invest myself personally." She said students had been "at the centre of any decisions I have made". Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

ERICA Thomas was looking for a new challenge when she took the helm at Newcastle Grammar School.

"I thought it was absolutely a wonderful opportunity and I was looking for something outside of Sydney," said Ms Thomas, who eight years later is feeling "pretty emotional" about leaving the role on December 15 to lead Kincoppal-Rose Bay.