Katrina Middlebrook's introduction to Winmalee High was a "baptism of fire".
She'd been principal for one year and three months, when the October 2013 fires destroyed the homes of 46 of the school's students.
As 2019 draws to a close and Ms Middlebrook steps down for a year's sabbatical before official retirement at age 60, the Blue Mountains is again on edge as bushfires encroach.
On October 17, 2013, Winmalee High was in lockdown for five hours when the fires began.
Afterwards, through various fundraisers, none of the students whose homes were destroyed paid any costs associated with their education for a full year, and the school was quick to provide counselling for staff and students.
"It was about finding out how that sort of trauma impacts on the community, and staff and students in the school," Ms Middlebrook recalled.
"Not much was known at the time. It was about finding out what do you need, how I can support these kids and create a framework for the school, and have a positive education school."
She introduced the PERMA model, developed by Martin Seligman, which is positive psychology principles designed to help build build students' resilience, self-worth, positivity and grit.
"What we recognised after the fires was we were not just a learning environment, it's about building the whole child," Ms Middlebrook said.
She also set about developing gratitude amongst the students, and recognising students' academic and self-development achievements at excellence breakfasts.
Every year since the fires, the school has marked Spirit Week - celebrating the spirit of the Winmalee community, with fun activities tied into wellbeing, encouraging connection with others and kindness.
Originally from Dungog, Ms Middlebrook said she understood how important a school was within a small community.
"It's a lovely school and the kids are a reflection of a lovely community. I've worked hard to maintain that reflection," she said.
She's always told the students, "you are the citizens of tomorrow."
"I have a strong belief in school culture and advocating for each other and standing up for what's good. If something's not right, do something to help the situation. Be 'upstanders'."
The school has also celebrated Wear it Purple Day, a national event showing support and acceptance of sexuality and gender diversity since 2013, which ties in nicely with the school's motto "Be who you want to be at Winmalee."
"It's OK to be who you are, regardless of your difference," Ms Middlebrook said.
She's also proud of their learning hub, headed by a wellbeing teacher, where more than 100 kids are helped with any barrier to learning, be that social, emotional or academic difficulties.
In 2020, Ms Middlebrook is looking forward to caravanning around Australia with her wife Flo Maitre, and then walking the Camino over 45 days.
"That will be cutting all ties and letting go of 36 years of being tied to work," Ms Middlebrook said.
Voula Facas, who has been deputy principal to Ms Middlebrook for the majority of her term, will be relieving principal for the 2020 school year.
Winmalee High School has had just two other principals since it began operation in 1985.
