MENZIES Creek Primary School will be having a bitter-sweet end to their school year, bidding farewell to two team members and 37 total years in experience.
Jan Rourke and Meredith Taurua will be saying goodbye to their Prep and Grade 4/5 classes this Friday, 21 December and will both begin their retirements.
Principal of Menzies Creek Primary Tanya Cook said the pair had had successful careers at the school, with Mrs Rourke and Mrs Taurua putting 20 years and 17 years into their work.
Mrs Rourke has spent her time teaching Prep students coming into the school, while Mrs Taurua has focused on teaching the senior school, taking on the 4/5 year levels this year.
“Obviously, over that time, they’ve been incredible contributors to our community,” she said.
“We’ll miss them, but at the same time, we’re happy for their futures and the exciting things they’ll do.”
Mrs Cook said that Mrs Rourke was now a grandmother and has plans to travel after leaving the school and that Mrs Taurua was retiring as part of the 54/11 retirement package.
The teachers will be sent off with a community farewell and picnic on Thursday 20 December from 5.30pm at the school, with presentations and class performances.
Mrs Cook said that families who had attended the school in the past were welcome to come along and say goodbye to the beloved staff members.
“As a community, we want to say a huge thankyou for everything they’ve contributed,” she said.
“We’ll all miss them completely.
“I know there’s some Year 6 students who can’t imagine what life will be like without them.”
Mrs Cook said the things she would remember the most about the teachers would be their support and love for their job.
“Just their absolute dedication to their profession,” she said.
“They’re just loving and heart-warming people to everyone.
“We’ll be celebrating what a wonderful job they’ve done.”
