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Wow!!! So much love, so many beautiful words. I am genuinely touched to the core. I humbly accept that I've worked hard but the overwhelming acknowledgment belongs with God. Since the moment I was appointed, I have sensed His watchful guidance over us, and it is through Him that the growth, improvement, and achievements of OLOL have been possible.
I am reminded of St.Teresa of Avila's words, "Christ has no hands but yours," which resonates with me as I feel like an instrument of His work. I am probably not the perfect choice for principal; I am flawed. I am seriously vague, sometimes politically incorrect, and prone to fainting. Moreover, my preference for fun over seriousness, as the staff can attest, can complicate things. But it has been fun.
I am conflicted between the joy of looking back over the past ten years. The relief of not having to do one more yard duty, the anxiety of beginning a new job that has no existing parameters and the overwhelming sadness of leaving so much behind me. I look to find solace in the wisdom of my favourite stories.
In Narnia, Aslan taught us that we must leave the past behind, that every farewell opens the door to new opportunities and magical encounters. So like Susan, Lucy, Edmund, and Peter I will try to embrace the unknown with courage, and let the memory of our shared experience guide me.
Like the characters in The Wizard of Oz, great friendships have been forged. Saying goodbye to her friends was sad for Dorothy but she took their love, courage, wisdom, and compassion as she continued and left them with the same in Oz.
In the epic tale of The Hobbit, we witnessed the growth of a simple hobbit into a hero who faced his middle earth challenges head-on. Bilbo Baggins' journey reminds us that saying goodbye can be daunting, but it leads us to self-discovery and the fulfillment of our destinies. And Gandolfs farewell, in the same story, probably the saddest thing I ever read, had me sobbing into my pillow for hours but was ultimately an essential factor in the success of the quest.
I also love the legend of Camelot, a place of honour, chivalry, and camaraderie. A place like OLOL that flourished because of shared vision, collegial buy in and community participation. It didn't end fabulously in Camelot but we’re different in that Margaret Biviano hasn't run off with Mr Podbury. But King Arthur and his knights understood farewells were not about parting ways but about carrying the spirit of our shared experiences with us. I wanted this speech to be funny and although I have laughed daily for ten years I found it hard to find a story that encapsulated the hilarity of the place. So we’ll just have to remember the times we laughed together, supported one another, and celebrated our successes. In the musical version of Camelot, there is a beautiful reprise at the end of the show where King Arthur reflects,
Each evening from December to December
Before you drift to sleep upon your cot
Think back on all the tales that you remember
Of Camelot.
And so it's the tales that I'll remember of OLOL.
I want to extend the warmest thanks to each and every one of you. You've entrusted me with your most precious treasures, your children, for all these years. I've watched them grow, laugh and learn. The joy and satisfaction of seeing them blossom into the unique individuals they become is truly unparalleled. I am grateful for the opportunities this position has given me and the faith you've placed in my abilities.
So, as I come to the end of this cherished chapter of my own story, l thank you for the memories, the laughter, the trust and the camaraderie. May we carry the spirit of Narnia, the wisdom of Oz, the bravery of Bilbo, and the nobility of Camelot with us - until our yellow brick roads meet again.
Since so many of you played a part in providing me with my exceptional farewell presents, and might not have had the chance to see them, I thought I'd share some photos. I am truly touched by your incredible generosity and amazed at how accurately the gift selectors know me. From the beautiful color of my Furla bag, (complete with accessory scarf), to the golden brilliance of my exquisite watch. There were also a collection of vouchers providing holiday restaurants, spas, and my current favourite Dinosaur Designs – your gifts have left me overwhelmed with gratitude.
There it was, the book, catching my eye when I first received it. Instantly, I knew it deserved dedicated reading time. With Gerry and I departing for a break tomorrow, I decided to take it along on my holiday, planning to immerse myself in its contents and savor every word.
However, last night, I found myself unable to resist its allure and ended up spending the evening on the couch, completely engrossed in it from cover to cover. The book turned out to be a beautiful, heartfelt, and funny masterpiece, filled with genuine gratitude that touched my heart.
I am deeply moved and humbled by the generosity of the gift and the sincerity that emanates from your words. Thank you for this incredible experience.
Having supervised events of all kinds throughout my entire adult life, I understand deeply the hard work that went into organising my farewell. From the Parent farewell last night to this morning's assembly, and the meticulous collection and compilation of both books, I am truly appreciative.
I'd to thank Fr Hayes for his words last night, his blessing this morning and his constant support throughout my entire tenure. OLOL is blessed to have a man of his calibre as its priest. A parent commented last night they were unsure whether his speech was complimentary of me or a roast. What is was, was an indication of the friendship we have established during the past ten years.
Its always fraught with trouble when you name specific people - but I believe Clare Mead, Alison Conley, Amy Kennedy, Christine Lysikatos, Deanna Moylan, Imogen Brown, Kristina Modric, Morag Eyles, Sarah Shanahan, Lisa Ricketts and Gracemary Huntley spearhheaded the organisation of the parent side of my farewell and I am so grateful.
The school elements of my farewell were I believe genuinely a group effort. So to all the staff and students I am truly touched and gratified by this morning's assembly. Special call out however to Miss Archer and the Grade Two's for that beautiful song and Mr Podbury and the 5/6 for the video and the hysterical True False Quiz.
And finally thank you to my loyal and dutiful deputy Adrian who has co-ordinated it all. I leave it all in great hands.
It has been an honour to be have been
The Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes
Thank you for it all - Francine