The end of year is often a time of mixed emotions; a little bit of us is usually excited by the promise of holidays and precious time with family and friends over the Christmas period.
It is not unusual to feel a sense of weariness following the effort of exams and work, this can also be a symptom of the busyness of this time of year. And yet another part of us feels that sense of loss as we say goodbye to long standing friends and peers.
This is certainly true of our Year 12 students who are busily studying for and sitting exams at the moment and will soon be celebrating their ‘Leavers’ Dinner’. The excitement and promise of next year, whether that be further study or work, is often tinged with a sense of sadness that the friends whose company and support we have enjoyed over many years, will not be sitting beside us each day or sharing in regular conversations.
As teachers, we feel this as well. One of the incredible blessings of this school community is the strong sense of connection with students and colleagues. Farewelling our Year 12 Leavers, as we will at formal events in coming weeks, it is easy to say that they have become much more than students to us.
Of course, it is not only students that we farewell at the end of the year and for us as a school community, we are also saddened to say goodbye to teachers and colleagues who have faithfully served and willingly given far beyond the expectation of their role. This year, we will be acknowledging two retiring staff members, Mr Phil Knowles and Mrs Gaye Reynolds, a teacher who is moving to Launceston, Mr Jordan Green, and a teacher who is moving to Queensland, Marie Claire O’Malley.
“God reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life but with that change comes an opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge and remember the good things that God has given us through these relationships. ”
In acknowledging these faithful servants of God, I am reminded of the very familiar word of God to us in the book of Ecclesiastes, “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh”. God reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life but with that change comes an opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge and remember the good things that God has given us through these relationships.
This period of change is not the end of our relationships but rather a new season. In entering this new season for our departing staff and students, we want to leave an open invitation to continue to connect with us; they remain part of our community. Mr Knowles and Mrs Reynolds have talked about being available to return as required and we pray that the same may be true of Mr Green when he moves back to the south. In the meantime, we look forward to the coming period of celebration and the reminder, again from Ecclesiastes that God “…has made everything beautiful in its time”.
Scott Ambrose — Principal