12 June 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

At the end of this term I am finishing teaching at St Pat’s. I have loved working at St Pat’s for the last 12 years, and have many treasured memories: of the students, I’ve taught, the daily celebrations and laughs, the successes in learning, my beautiful colleagues, and also some tears and heartbreak – we’ve been through it all. There is something very special about the people at St Pat’s and the way they lift you up to be the best you can be.

But now in my life, it’s time for a change. I can’t imagine having the energy to sustain another 20 years of teaching and sometimes you just know when it’s time to do something new. I am passionate about my community, having grown up here and returned to raise my own family. I have taken up a position with the Bega Valley Shire Council, working in community development. I am excited about starting this new role but also sad to be leaving my class, my colleagues and the support network I have made within the school.

Teaching is a gift. It is hard work, yes, but a gift just the same. Many days you feel like you’re swimming against the tide, trying to make a change, trying to reach that child, trying to get that programming done, trying to stay positive when your patience is being tried, trying to teach when you keep getting interrupted. But then you have magic days, when a child won’t stop reading because they are enjoying the story, when a child writes half a page after writing nothing for a week, when a child makes a new friend, when you have a joke with a child in your class because you know them and they know you, when a child’s face lights up because the just understood something new.

Last year I was at Melbourne University open day with my daughter and I heard some young man calling, ‘Mrs Kite, Mrs Kite’ across the auditorium. It was one of my students that I taught in 2012 and it was so delightful to see him and hear about his life now. This is a gift teaching gives – to know you had an impact, even just for one student.

So I am leaving St Pat’s and teaching, but I carry with me the love and memories. Thank you for your support, understanding and allowing me the gift of teaching your kids. I look forward to bumping into you around town, on the sidelines of a footy game, at the beach or somewhere in the future.

Mary Kite

12 June 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you that I will be leaving St Patrick’s at the end of Term Two.

I made this decision in order to work closer to home and devote more time to my young family.

My time at St Patrick’s has been invaluable both personally and professionally. I feel privileged to have worked alongside many outstanding professionals, in their expertise, delivery and work ethic.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the St Patrick’s community for embracing me with such warmth and kindness. Thank you Parents and Carers, for your commitment to education. Thank you for supporting the teachers at St Patrick’s in their efforts to bring out the best in every child.

It has been an honour to teach the children of St Patrick’s, many of whom are firmly cemented in my heart.

With deep gratitude and warm regards,

Emma Kettle

12 June 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is sadness that I announce that I will be leaving St Patrick’s at the end of Term 2. My family and I are moving to Queensland to follow some new and exciting opportunities. While my time at St Patrick’s has been short, I have really enjoyed my time here split between teaching PE from K-6 and 2/3R.

I will miss the students dearly, and I would like to wish the students in 2/3R all the best for the rest of the year with Miss Reid as their full-time teacher.

Best wishes,

Brendon Reynolds