CHPS is about to farewell four long serving staff members. They will be missed very much! Here are a few words from each of them:

Karen King (Assistant Principal)

It’s a tough thing leaving the place you love to work after 18 years. 18 years of watching kids transform from little bubs to almost teenagers, and then experiencing the joy of seeing them return to the place that has helped to shape them as adults. 18 years of sharing family experiences, of fundraising and pulling together to support the school to be its best. 18 years of professional friendships and working with some of the most talented and dedicated teachers the profession has to offer.

I remained at Gold Street as it is an exceptional place to be. Starting with the fearless leadership of Geoff Warren and continuing with the visionary and dedicated direction of Megan and her team.

From a graduate teacher through to an Assistant Principal, it has never simply been a job for me. It has been a challenge at times, with never a dull moment. Gold Street and its students have always dared me to stretch myself to be the best I can be.

I say farewell with a heavy heart that’s full of gratitude to students, parents and staff alike. I’m off to challenge myself again in a new field. See you at pick up!

Dylan Thomas (STEM Teacher)

After 18 fabulous years teaching at CHPS I have decided to pursue some other interests in 2022. I spent many years teaching various year levels but the past several years I have found my passion in Science Education. I will be sad to leave my lovely Lab! My three children all graduated from CHPS and I believe that has set them up well to be happy and successful people. The quality of the teachers here is second-to-none and the students and wider parent community have all been engaged and supportive over the years. I will miss CHPS, particularly the fantastic staff, but am excited about what lies ahead.

Photo: Myself and eldest daughter Hannah when she was in Susan Williamson’s Prep class - 2008

Rebekah Kirchner (Classroom Teacher)

I arrived at Clifton Hill Primary School in the year 2000 and right from day one I felt as if I had come home. In those days Geoff Warren was Principal. Although the school was much smaller than it is today, it punched above its weight in so many respects. This tradition continues today under Megan and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.

What a privilege it has been to teach at this wonderful school where the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff never wanes. It is a special thing indeed to step into a bustling, positive workplace each morning where gales of laughter coming from the staffroom can be heard all the way down the corridor and out into Page Street. The friends I have made at Gold Street, some of whom are now retired are treasured and lifelong. The collegiality of the staff is second to none at Gold Street.

Beginning my career forty years ago, of course our tools of trade were the good old blackboard and chalk and the odd text book. (I do remember a type of Gestetner machine where you rolled off your worksheets for the day but even that was a challenge. I found myself giddy from the heady smell and covered in purple ink.) However, with the advent of the internet and all that went with it, I never had anything to fear at Gold Street. There was always a friendly and patient tech savvy staff member to assist with my (many) technology issues.

I would very much like to thank the office staff, Di and Nia for their generous support and commitment. They are both submerged in paperwork on a daily basis but nothing is ever too much trouble for those two office heroes. So too, Chris Orfinidis, Gallant Seko, Karen McBrearty and LeeLee Diep. The school could not run without these patient and hard working members of staff.

Over the years the kids have never ceased to inspire and amaze me. There are so many examples of course but every year the Grade Three camp was a standout. Whether working in teams to build huts and sandcastles, navigating the ropes course or packing up sleeping bags and preparing for the daily room inspection, the students shone. I would also like to mention and thank the many parents who came along to help out on camp. Some even came back for a second and third round! Their assistance was invaluable.

Another highlight for me was working with various student teachers during my time at Gold Street. It was rewarding to see these (mostly) young trainees develop in skills and confidence. Some stayed in touch and I followed their careers with interest.

Where to from here….

Even though I’m officially retiring, I’ll still be working as a casual relief teacher next year at Clifton Hill. I couldn’t be happier as I still get to do what I love - teaching kids and catching up with staff and parents. There will be more time though for holidays with Harry, working in the garden and putting on those walking boots and heading off into the bush.

I look forward to seeing some of you around the school next year!

Bek Kirchner

Linda Crisp (Education Support)

I have been at CHPS for 6.5 years. A highlight was joining Year 5 on their camp in 2019 at The Summit Camp. It was great to see the students developing their skills of independence, teamwork and resilience. My other highlight was having the opportunity to work with such lovely staff members who are always there to support each other. It was a pleasure to go to work each day.

I have recently become a grandmother and have an aging mum so I hope to spend more time with my grandson and my mum. I have some exciting travel plans that won't occur until my husband retires. Looking forward to July 2023! I am also looking forward to more time for gym and bushwalking and keeping fit in 'my old age'!

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