St Teresa’s Junior Primary honours retiring principal Lynne Elfick at farewell breakfast
Learners and staff at St Teresa's Schools gathered for a surprise farewell breakfast to celebrate principal Lynne Elfick's 22 years of dedicated service.
Tears, hugs and kisses filled St Teresa’s Junior Primary today during school principal Lynne Elfick’s farewell breakfast.
St Teresa’s Junior Primary School and High School united to surprise Elfick, who has been at the school for 22 years and is retiring at the end of the year.
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The morning began with a welcome and prayer and was followed by the school choir.
St Teresa’s High School principal Elsa de Bod followed with a speech about Elfick’s journey.
“Lynne started teaching at St Teresa’s School in 2004 and became principal of the Junior Primary in 2013,” said De Bod. “These dates, however, do not tell the full story of the impact she has had on our school community. Her love for her Rosies created a space where curiosity and adventure could flourish.”
She added that the principal is leaving her footprint at St Teresa’s much like St Teresa of Avila, who was famous for her tireless energy, big heart and down-to-earth devotion.
St Teresa’s Junior Primary School academic co-ordinator and Grade 1 teacher Carol Goosen commended the principal’s 22 years of service. “Lynne, your journey at St Teresa’s began in 2004, when your passion for early childhood education shone through in our Grade 0 classes,” said Goosen.
“Your enthusiasm for sensory play became a defining feature of your work, and over the years you shared your knowledge and expertise through numerous talks at independent schools and articles on the subject.”
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Elfick said although she was leaving, there were fond memories she was leaving with. “I have always been involved and drawn to Catholic education. What is special about it, is that it speaks to the ethos of kindness and strength.
“I have also taught the girls that they’re beautiful as they are, so that their self-esteem is solid, because if your self-esteem is solid then you can reach out to other people in kindness.”
Her future plans include a year of travelling and working in the early childhood development space within Catholic schooling.
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