RETIRING with a lifetime of memories, Beerburrum State School teacher Dianne Paddick (nee Smith) was farewelled with the ringing of the school bells on Friday, June 24. It was a fitting send off, considering over thirty years ago, much to her surprise, it was the same ringing she was welcomed with on her wedding day. She remembers it fondly, as one of the most special moments in her career:
“We were married at Glasshouse Uniting Church and much to my surprise as we left the church students and parents from Beerwah Primary (where I had been teaching) had lined the steps and were ringing the school bells for us. It was really special.”
Dianne, or as she’ll always be known to her students, Mrs Paddick, grew up on a farm in the Glass House Mountains attending Glasshouse Primary School, fondly remembering being inspired by her own teachers.
Her teaching took her north, having first been posted to Proserpine Preschool in the beautiful Whitsundays, before taking leave to travel overseas. From teaching in North Queensland, she said teaching over in London was an eye-opening experience.
Having taught at a number of different schools across the Sunshine Coast, including Woombye, Buderim and Currimundi, Beerwah, Meridan and of course, Beerburrum, there were many special moments including the Olympic torch relay visiting Beerburrum State School.
While Dianne shared she leaves with many fond memories, there was one thing she would miss above all.
“I’ll miss those lightbulb moment with the kids… when they just get it,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what it was, what the learning was, I’ll miss seeing those moments.”
Reflecting on a wonderful teaching career, Beerburrum held a special place in her heart from doing playground duty enjoying the views of the mountains while children play, to teaching children of the children she taught earlier in her career.
“There’s been lots of laughter, learning and fun over the years with many, many young faces”.