03 Jul 2019
Dear friends, colleagues, parents and students,
It will come as no surprise to many of you, that after 11 months of extended leave spending more time with family and friends, enjoying new activities, and just having the time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, I am announcing my separation from the Department of Education as at 5th July, 2019. The decision to end a career that has been such a huge part of my life for so long has been very carefully considered throughout the duration of my leave and I feel that now is the right time to officially bid farewell to my “school family”.
After 33 years and 3 months of teaching it is time to put away the programs, assessments, reports, timetables, syllabus documents, and the vast collection of teaching paraphernalia and resources and say goodbye to long working days and weekends and hello to sleep-ins and days of enjoyment and leisure! I don’t view this as “retirement” but rather as the beginning of the next phase of my life. As the saying goes, “Life is too short”.
My teaching career began at Ingleburn on 10th April 1985 and finished at Ingleburn on 6th July 2018. I have often been asked why I stayed at Ingleburn PS for all of these years. My answer has always been that it was a great school to be at, with a dedicated and amazing staff and it’s close to home! Why should I leave? Ingleburn Public School has been my other “home”, for such a long time, and I find it hard to believe that I am leaving. Over the years I have established my ”school family” – wonderful and dedicated people with whom I’ve worked for many years; who have helped and mentored me, laughed and cried with me, consoled and supported me, celebrated successes and achievements with me and shaped me into the teacher that I am. I have been fortunate enough to have made some wonderful and enduring friendships during these years.
As I look back on my career I recall a mix of talented, challenging, friendly, determined children who gave their best efforts to succeed; parents who were supportive and appreciative of the efforts teachers gave to their child, and who willingly gave their time either organising or helping with events, and finally the dedicated teachers who consistently worked long hours and gave their all to ensure that IPS provided a range of educational programs and activities to suit the needs of all its students. Well done and thank you to everyone!
Teaching is a demanding, challenging, overwhelmingly busy and yet fun career. It can be the best of times and the worst of times, but ultimately it is one of the most rewarding careers a person can have. I have been very proud to have been a teacher in the Public Education system for the majority of my life.
So, with the fondest of memories and with warmest regards, I say farewell.
Miss Irene Hrabica