Hi everyone … this is my last ever Newsletter article as I will be retiring at year’s end after 41 years as a teacher. And I will not be doing a Johnny Farnham.

As a teacher, your core business is to develop adolescents into young women and men ready to go out and face a weird, wild and sometimes wacky world. But the experience of teaching is so much more. The journey teaches you about people, about the world you live in, about yourself; and you hope that in some measure you have left your mark on students and staff eager to learn from you. I hope that over the years I have been able to do that, because if I have, I can gratefully say “mission accomplished.”

I have been over-joyed with the experience and will treasure so many memories: memories of success (students who have gone on to do great things because of hard work and the use of their talents), memories of laughter (you’ve got to laugh to keep your sanity sometimes), memories of friendships forged (… in a world that tries to suck the life out of you, friends help you through the day), memories of growth (the educational experience shapes you as a person), and then, the stories of loss (the personal grief and the genuine shedding of tears on losing a student to an illness or ill-fated accident). Each have left an indelible mark on me and I consider myself extremely fortunate to experience these highs and lows.

I am indebted to Joe Favrin, former Principal of Penola Catholic College, for employing me at Penola in 2002. His drive and passion and vision for the school was second to none; to Chris Blake who took over from Joe, for his humility and gentleness; and to Chris Caldow for his passionate drive to improve the school. I have enjoyed working with a hard-working College Executive, making decisions that shaped the college. Each of them has left their mark on me and shaped the educator I have become. Thank you.

I have worked with hundreds of teachers and other staff members over the years, and at three different schools. They have shared a commitment and passion to educate the youth of the world in the hope that their toil would make our planet a better place to live. Whilst our world struggles with the various challenges of our world, and the ills that humanity has created, the work of educators has continued to navigate ways around the maze in the hope of creating a peaceful, happy and successful world. I am in awe of the work that they do.

I have had the support of three personal assistants over the past twenty years; Suzi Miotto, Kathy Fawcett (dec.) and Mary-Ann Masters; they have been invaluable assistants and friends and worked tirelessly to meet the heavy demands of their role.

The various Year Level Coordinators and the current Coordinators of Students, Ashley Mills and Angela Xidias, have worked at the coal face of student development and been avid supporters of students and staff. They are cogs in a machine without which our school experience would be so much harder.

My educational experience (as a student and then as a teacher) has spanned many years; significantly, 32 of those years have had some connection with St Mary of Cross MacKillop. In primary school I was taught by the Josephite nuns and then I worked 25 years in MacKillop schools. St Mary of the Cross has looked after me and I am thankful that she has given me many opportunities and graces.

My wife, Mary, has been significantly supportive in my work life, particularly in the years when we had young children. As every day became an 11 hour day, she held the mantle and allowed me to continue in the role that I loved, as a Deputy Principal for 28 years at two different schools. From the fruits of our love, I have enjoyed immensely watching my children grow into decent and loving individuals with the same passion for education that I have. Thank you, Mary.

And finally, best wishes to Erin Bonavia who takes on the role as Deputy Principal: Head of Senior Campus in 2022. I am certain she will be a great ambassador for Penola Catholic College.

To all parents and students, thank you for allowing me into your lives and giving me the satisfaction of being involved in the greatest taskforce in the world: the education of our youth.

With best wishes to you all for a safe and happy life … and a holy Christmas.