June 1, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
Principal Mary Eastwood shared the news that she will officially retire on June 30, 2024, following completion of her 45th year as a Hingham Public Schools educator in an email to the South School community on Wednesday (May 31).
“I will miss you all each and every day as this is my home away from home and has been my life . . . and what a wonderful world we have! I look forward to making 2023-2024 the best school year ever!” Eastwood said. “I have been honored to work in the HPS and to be part of this community since 1978. The importance of a great public education has always been a hallmark of the amazing people in this town and honestly, what led me to stay for over four decades as a teacher in various grade levels (Grade 7-9; Social Studies; Kindergarten-6 Special Education and grade 5).”
For the past eleven years, Eastwood has considered it an honor to serve as principal of South Elementary and to be part of “this very special village. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to work alongside the amazing South School staff and our outstanding families.”
What has made South School so special for decades, Eastwood explained, is the understanding that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” and that the sum is more important than the parts.
Eastwood expressed gratitude to all who supported and mentored her and others “who will make sure that this tradition lives on. I know in my heart it will continue.”
While it will be difficult for her to leave “this incredible village and school system,” Eastwood will do so next year with the knowledge that “the amazing SES staff and families will carry on and be sure to continue to provide an incredible place for all of our students well into the future.”