“This is my thirteenth address during a Delegate Public School Presentation Night. Knowing it would be my last was giving me the most horrible case of writer’s block and fear of delivering without the inevitable tears so I opted to write the address and press print.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

If you Google that saying, you will find that it is attributed to Winnie the Pooh. However, you will not find it in any of the books.

I've been here for 19 years but began teaching way back in 1980 at St Francis of Assisi in Wollongong on a Year 6 class as a young 21 year old and my students were twelve so nine years difference. They would be fifty or more now. How old do I feel? Thirty eight years in the one occupation.

I started working for the NSW Department of Education in Campbelltown in 1982. Then travelled overseas at the end of 1985 to the beginning of 1987 where I was posted to Bombala Public School and then destiny revealed itself with me meeting a then handsome young farmer during one of Rix Wright’s plays ‘The Very Fast Train.’ We married in 1991 (the pink and white show as some referred to it as) and not long after moved to Murrumbateman where I was transferred to Yass Public School.

During this time Dom was born. Then in 1996 we made our move to Young where I taught at a little two teacher school called Murringo. This is where I found a great passion for small schools. Harry and Lachie were born during this time. Each time I was back teaching full time after a term’s absence. As luck or God or karma would have it, Mrs Janet Ingram wanted a transfer to Murringo and Ian and I wished to move to Delegate so we returned to Delegate in 2000, where we have been ever since.

Delegate Public School has provided me with great joys, challenges and a wonderful place for my boys to grow and be educated. I’m sure there were times when having Mum as teacher and principal, learning about those thirty second decisions was not easy but they haven’t turned out too bad and are really quite wonderful and are succeeding in their chosen careers.

Much love to Ian who has travelled this road with me and has always supported my role whether it was building Food Fest stalls, concert props, attending parent teacher interviews (with me as the teacher), excursions, homework and projects or just allowing me to vent through some difficult times. I’m sure he is starting to worry about all the projects around home I will find to involve him in now I will be retired.

Since returning to Delegate I have taught amazing students, had so many supportive parents, renewed old friendships and worked with the most wonderful colleagues. I will always remember our shared laughter, our joys as well as our struggles.

I can also say that for everyone I have mentored, helped or given advice to, I have also learned from.  Maybe you don't know what I've learned from you - sometimes it has just been that your energy has renewed my own interest or reignited my own passion.   Coming here every day has always been interesting, and I can say that working at Delegate Public School has been an adventure.  So my moving on is really just creating space for someone else to have a turn.

I look back with gratitude. I entered a profession dedicated to assisting young people achieve their potential. As I leave it, I am taking many of them with me. You will live on in my memories. I'll always remember the things we achieved together: the many successful concerts, farewells, excursions, conversations, achievements and challenges.

I've been asked what I'm going to do now.

I am going to read books that have been waiting on my 'must read' list for years. I will garden, learn new skills, exercise, visit art galleries, enjoy being around friends... In short, I plan to LIVE at my own measure.

I want to thank all of you so much for coming and celebrating with me and my family.

I want to thank those unable to come, who have expressed their fond sentiments.

I want to acknowledge all the wonderful colleagues I’ve worked with over the years, who gave me great personal and career support. We had lots of fun and conversations, and challenges.

Thank you for sharing this celebration garden party with me and thank you for the support and friendship over many years. Thank you Hannah and all the staff for preparing and organising such a thoughtful celebration, I know there have been many hours of preparation and planning. I’m not sure I deserve it but I know I am very grateful and feel very privileged.

I believe that Delegate Public School will continue to grow and prosper and I trust that each one of you will be happy and fulfilled. Keep up the good work; you’ve been a wonderful team to work with. 

Thanks for everything, I shall miss you.

I have learned that it takes a group of very special people to commit to their jobs on a daily basis - even when the going gets tough - and believe me...we've all experienced that over the years.

I have learned that the peals of laughter I hear resounding from the staff room reflect the vibrant and happy staff that we are fortunate to have.

The times shared, friendships forged and the incredible successes which we have enjoyed have been an extraordinary part of my life.

I am very proud of what we have achieved and they have been times I will never forget.

The timing to end this chapter seems about as right as it could be.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”