3 minute read
Staff Farewell - Lisa Bonazza
Guiding, supporting and inspiring hundreds of students throughout her sixteen years of teaching in the Junior School, the St Paul’s community farewells one of their valued educators.
Lisa Bonazza has contributed to St Paul’s in very significant ways during her time with the school, including her role in the establishment of our leading Pre-Kindergarten programme. Her commitment to professional growth and excellence in teaching has been recognised in her appointment to Barker College as the Director of Primary Curriculum/ PYP Coordinator.
Lisa reflects on her time at St Paul’s and shares some of her most cherished memories.
Soon after my arrival at St Paul’s in 2005, the school began to seriously consider how to make a Pre-Kindergarten facility and programme a reality. My role was to explore other pre-schools in Sydney and Melbourne and develop a holistic ‘vision’ for Pre-Kindergarten at St Paul’s.
About a year was then spent planning, writing programmes and meeting with architects and painters. I was supported by Dr John Collier (former Principal) and many current and former staff members. Pre-Kindergarten at St Paul’s officially started in January 2008 and it was a wonderful four years of my life as its Director. The Little Saints logo was designed by my daughter Isabella as a young Junior School student and the name ‘Little Saints’ had long been thought of by Anne Rogers.
The principles of Reggio Emilia, world renowned for its early years’ education philosophy which considers the learning environment to be key to a child’s development, helped to inform the Pre-Kindergarten programme at St Paul’s. These principles are still evident in the teaching, learning, play and facilities our Little Saints enjoy today.
Memories of your time at St Paul’s
How can I put into words the joy I see on a student’s face when I have taught them to understand; made them laugh; walked alongside them in their learning; seen them succeed when they’ve struggled; or comforted them when they’ve lost a loved one and prayed with them. I have treasured seeing the students of St Paul’s grow and this is what I’ll miss the most when I leave. It’s very rare in a workplace to say you don’t work with colleagues but with friends.
The friendships that I have developed during my years at St Paul’s will remain forever close to my heart. I count many school staff, past and present, as some of my dearest friends. We have laughed, cried and had so much fun together!
Driving to the school each morning with my own children has been a blessing. The fact that they have been able to experience St Paul’s with me and put up with a sometimes ‘embarrassing’ mother, has put a smile on my face every day.
Many may not be aware that some of the most beautiful photographs of our Junior School students, often shared on the St Paul’s social media pages, were captured by Lisa.
People need to see the great things that are happening each day at St Paul’s. We as teachers take all of those moments for granted in a way, because they are happening all the time. Snapshots of greatness need to be shared. Especially the play and fun in the playground; the happiness and joy in the faces of our students; and the exciting educational activities our amazing teachers plan.
Lisa brings so much passion and energy to everything she puts her hand to. Whether it’s her creativity in teaching, her care with students and families or the genuine warmth felt when you meet her. Lisa is one of a kind! She will be greatly missed by all.
Ian Brooker, Head of Junior School
Lisa Bonazza
