09/08/2026
PRINCIPAL BIDS FAREWELL AFTER 30 YEARS
After 30 years at Aloomba State School, including almost 25 years as principal, Robyn Corbett has retired from Education Queensland, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated teaching, strong leadership and a thriving school community.
Robyn began her teaching career at Woodford State School in 1990 before teaching at Giru, where she took on her first acting principal role, and later at Coen and Hambledon. She joined Aloomba State School in 1996 as a Years 1 to 3 teacher when the school had just two classrooms. Following the retirement of principal Barry Petersen in 2000, she was appointed principal after six months in the acting role.
Teaching remained Robyn's greatest passion. She was known for making learning fun, often creating treasure hunts with cryptic rhyming clues that had students working together to solve mysteries around the school.
During her time as principal, Aloomba became well known for its innovative fundraising and environmental activities, including trivia nights, Tilapia Terminators fishing competitions, Day Camp at Behana Creek, Pine Car Derby events and repeated success in the Shop for Cairns Kids grants program. These achievements reflected the commitment of the school's staff, P&C, students and wider community.
One of her proudest achievements was seeing students recognised for being friendly, respectful and caring, while also acknowledging the dedicated teachers, teacher aides, office staff and volunteers who helped make Aloomba such a special place.
She summed up her years at the school in three words: nurturing, inspiring and thriving.
Now enjoying retirement, Robyn is spending more time with family and friends, focusing on her fitness and embracing the freedom of life without a daily routine.
She hopes former students will remember Aloomba State School as a happy place filled with learning, laughter and lasting memories, including the carefree days when going barefoot at school was simply part of growing up.
Photo caption: Current principal, Robyn Corbett (right) with current principal, Kristina Cannon and Aloomba State School students