Retiring teachers a class act for students | Northern Rivers Community | Stories about People from Northern Rivers

Emma O'Neill | 9th December 2008

Tregeagle Public School teachers Pat Byrne (left) and Jill Brodie have been betweeen teaching at the school for thirty nine years and are now about to retire.

Jacklyn Wagner

COMPUTERS have long since replaced jelly pads in Tregeagle Public School classrooms, but a gadget will never replace the smiling faces and dedication of retiring teachers Pat Byrne and Jill Brodie.

Between them the two teachers have clocked up 39 years teaching at the school, and watched hundreds of local kids turn into adults.

“It is always a delight when students still recognise us on the street years later,” Ms Brodie said.

“There is just a brilliant and supportive team of parents who have a unique friendship with the teachers and that makes a great school.”

Ms Byrne enjoyed being in her classroom so much, she has even slept there.

“For a few years we had a school sleepover with the kids and they planned everything, it was great,” she said.

Being spontaneous and thinking outside the square has been a strength of both teachers.

Through the years, Ms Brodie's classes have been taken outside to see bird's nests and discussed world events.

A continuation of this teaching style is a hope Ms Brodie holds for her beloved profession as she enters retirement; she also hopes for a bit of a rest and to travel around Australia.

Ms Byrne is also planning on rest and some world travel when she steps out of the classroom for the last time.

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