Tears of joy and fond memories marked a surprise farewell breakfast at St Teresa’s Junior Primary on October 23 for retiring principal Lynne Elfick.

The surprise farewell saw St Teresa’s Junior Primary School and High School staff come together to celebrate the principal who spent 22 years at the school, beginning with a welcome and prayer followed by a performance by the school choir.

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St Teresa’s High School principal Elsa de Bod reflected on Elfick’s journey. “Lynne started teaching at St Teresa’s School in 2004 and became principal of the junior primary in 2013. These dates, however, do not tell the full story of the impact she has had on our school community.”

De Bod added that Elfick’s love extended far beyond the learners to the people who worked with her. “Lynne has always encouraged creativity and innovation among the teaching staff and has led by example in serving others. She brings boundless energy, a prerequisite when dealing with such an energetic age group, and she has never stopped dreaming up new ideas for her school.”

Academic co-ordinator and Grade 1 teacher Carol Goosen said that while the school celebrated Elfick’s contribution, staff members were saddened by her departure as principal, colleague and friend.

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“When Marilyn Orford, our previous principal, retired, Lynne was the natural choice to take over the leadership of St Teresa’s Junior Primary.

Your strong faith in God, your deep understanding of and commitment to the Catholic faith, your sound leadership skills and, above all, the way you so beautifully embodied our mercy ethos made the transition a natural one.”

Goosen noted that Elfick’s kindness and generosity had taught staff and learners a great deal.

“You have given so freely of yourself, often in ways that people may never even have known about. There were countless occasions when you gave from your own pocket for the benefit of others or the school. For you, serving St Teresa’s and its community was never simply a job; it was a calling.”

Elfick said that although she was leaving, she took fond memories with her. “I have always been involved in 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 travel and working in the early childhood development space within Catholic schooling.

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