Debbie Filliponi, Janet Lake, Leanne Delaney and Loiza Gazis called it a day after long and successful careers which left an indelible mark.
“I feel so fortunate to have had the role of careers adviser at Corowa High School for the past 41 years,” Janet said.
“I had no idea that such a position existed, as we certainly had no such person when I was in high school.
“How times have changed.”
For all four, it’s the relationships forged with students past and present that mean the most to them.
For them teaching was not just about interacting in the classroom; it’s about shaping young minds, inspiring them to see the possibilities, and watching them grow and go out into the world.
Debbie Filliponi says it’s the people she will miss most after 35 years at Corowa High.
“Not just my present students, but the ones from years ago,” she said.
“I love catching up with past students and parents, and hearing someone say, “Hey, Mrs Flip”.
“I love having the opportunity to catch up with those who have returned home for Christmas and finding out what they are doing now.”
Leanne Delaney has been teaching at Corowa High since 2010, including taking on the role of head teacher of Science in 2016, and says she worked with some very talented and dedicated teachers and will miss being involved with the students.
“I have enjoyed my time teaching at Corowa High School,” she said.
“I'm now looking forward to travelling and taking up new activities, like pickleball and relaxing with my retired teacher husband, Tony.”
Leanne began teaching in Canada in 1996 and moved to Australia shortly afterwards.
After taking up positions on the NSW south coast she eventually settled in Corowa in 2009.
Loiza Gazis says she can retire feeling incredibly grateful to the students, staff and parents after 32 years of teaching English at the school.
“I especially loved getting to know students as they first arrived at CHS,” Loiza said.
“Sharing my Greek cultural background with them and hearing cheerful calls of “Yiasou” in the playground, and down the street, has been a joy and a reminder of how open and curious our students are.”
The teachers are grateful of their time teaching at Corowa and the opportunities it has brought them over the years.
They appreciate the roles they have played in the development of their students and will take those memories into retirement.
“I truly have had the best job in the school,” Janet said.
“I have so much enjoyed working with my students, and I am forever grateful to my many colleagues.”
“It has been a privilege to have been part of all their lives,” Debbie said.
“I have been so lucky in my role to share so many adventures.”
Debbie will get the chance to be called back to Corowa High as a casual teacher from term two.
For Janet Lake, Loiza Gazis and Leanne Delaney, it’s time to put the chalk and duster away and wander into the sunset as they look forward to the next stage of their lives.
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