Principals Message

Farewell Julie

Yesterday we said farewell to a very special staff member, Julie van Dorst. Last Friday, the St Xavier's staff (past and present), had a little gathering in honour of Julie's contribution to the St Xavier's Community. There were tears of course, but there was also plenty of laughs and stories from our time with Julie.

Here is a small snippet from my farewell speech to Julie, which clearly shows what an impact Julie had on St Xavier's and all those who worked with her (students and peers).

Passion and compassion,  two words that certainly describe Jules and how she operates. Some might say that passion is best described as a “dog with a bone”  passion. Don’t get in Julie’s way if she is passionate about or feels responsible for something and certainly don’t ever think she will give in or give up. When Julie has a job to do, it gets done and there will be an email, text, spreadsheet or timetable to prove it and it will be colour-coded.

Jules came to St Xavier’s many moons ago starting firstly as a volunteer. I remember vividly even back then, Jules worked with children who needed help. I remember walking into the staffroom and Julie was on the floor working with a few children, challenging them and building their confidence. Jules went on to become full time and spent many years working particularly with the youngest of our students. She put her heart and soul into the education of the whole child, looking after not just their academic needs but their spiritual as well.

It was only when I became Principal that I truly developed an understanding of the powerful responsibility of the legal requirements connected to funding etc. In an ever changing market of government regulations Julie has not only kept up, but questioned and challenged and fought to bring about change, to provide the best possible conditions for teachers and students. She has always kept the teaching staff in mind, considering their workload and doing her best to lighten their load. Having said that, it was not the Principal or AP teachers worried about when something was due it was Julie! You could be late with your program or reports but not Julie's paperwork!!!

Julie will be, actually she has already been replaced and we know it never takes long in our system to have someone step into a role and do it well. That’s a great thing. However whilst others can do our job just as well, it is the legacy we leave behind that sticks in the memories of those left behind for years to come and  probably for ever.

Julie's legacy is a long line of little people who maybe found it hard, maybe lacked confidence and a champion in their life. There are parents who will be forever grateful you were there to explain and reassure, year after year. And then there is us who probably will never fully understand the challenges and content of your work but who do know of and appreciate your support, humour, determination, knowledge and loyalty. How wonderful to be starting the next chapter of your life with Tony. On behalf of the whole school community thanks for everything Julie.

A parting word from Julie

After first becoming involved at St Xavier’s 36 years ago as a volunteer (before the days of parent helpers) then moving into a part time job as Integration Teacher, it was in 1986 that I had my first class, Kindergarten. Some of those Kinder students have children at St Xavier’s now. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that time.

I have been lucky in my teaching career, feeling honoured to work alongside many wonderful professional staff members. Staff members who work together, sharing ideas, resources, stories and laughs. St Xavier’s is a very special place.

I have enjoyed working with many many amazing children, spending a lot of my time working with those who found things a little bit difficult. The pleasure of watching the faces light up when a concept is mastered, or a level achieved after a great deal of hard work is worth gold. I also value the partnerships that were formed with parents as we worked together to strive for the best outcomes for their little treasures.

So yes, I am going to miss St Xavier’s.

But…... I am also looking forward to the prospect of what retirement can bring. The option to sleep in or have nanna naps if I wish, being able to do what I want when I want with no deadlines, more time to travel, the lure of our future at the coast and of course more time to be a hands on Grandmother.

I am leaving with many fond memories, so THANK YOU to everyone I have been involved with.

Julie