By Callan Date
THERE will be a few tears for many of the students and staff at St Michaels Catholic School this Friday.
The school term will come to an end and so will the illustrious teaching career of Julie Nash who has spent more than 20 years at the Berwick primary school.
Ms Nash will call it a day after graduating from Presentation Teacher’s College in Elsternwick in 1967 and spending nearly 40 years in the teaching industry.
Hundreds of students have learned under the tutelage of Ms Nash who taught several different subjects including arts, oral language, mathematics, visual arts and religious education.
“Teaching has always offered something fresh, new and fun because of all the people, staff and children I work with at each school,” Ms Nash said.
“To teach for me is going on a discovery tour, each time exploring the wonder of numbers, the world and science,” she said.
St Michaels deputy principal Bernadette Byrne attended teaching college with Ms Nash, with the two women meeting up again in 1985 as teachers at the Berwick school.
“Julie has added much laughter and fun to teaching at St Michaels.
“She is a most caring person and one who will be sadly missed,” Ms Byrne said.
School principal John Williams was nothing but praise for the teacher he says the school will miss greatly.
“Julie is a very special person, one that is a true friend and always ready to help others.
“She is a muchrespected teacher and St Michaels is very grateful for all the time she has given here.
“We will miss her very much.” Mr Williams said.
Ms Nash added that teaching had been a privilege and a profession that had been richly fulfilling.
“Teaching in Catholic schools has deepened my faith which added to this wonderful dimension of appreciation for life in God’s world,” she said.