Friday December 15 was not only the last day of school for the children of Wingham Brush Public School. It was also the last day of school – forever- for assistant principal Liz Newman.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After 13 years with the school, and 37 years in teaching, Mrs Newman retired.
“I’m going to really miss the kids,” said an emotional Liz on her last day.
“I’ve taught some beautiful kids over the years.”
Even as we chatted, a steady stream of children arrived to give Mrs Newman cards and gifts.
She received some lovely farewell notes from the students.
One little girl wrote: “I love you and thank you for teaching me all the right things. Sorry for not listening to you.”
Such simple little gestures have been choking Liz up since she broke the news of her retirement to the children.
“I’ve been very lucky to teach here, it’s a lovely school.”
She always wanted to be a teacher and has loved her career teaching primary aged children.
Liz grew up in Sydney and graduated in 1980 securing casual work which included being a learning support teacher in a high school.
With stints in Wagga Wagga and Corowa near the Victorian border, Liz secured her first permanent position in her chosen field of primary teaching in 1988.
In 2005 she relocated to the Manning Valley and started at Wingham Brush Public School in her current role as assistant principal.
She is married to Gary Newman, who was also a teacher at WBPS, and has two children and five grandchildren. The couple live in Taree overlooking the first tee at Taree golf course.
Liz has mixed emotions about retirement.
On the one hand she will miss everyone at the school terribly. On the other she is keen to embrace life as a retiree.
She is most looking forward to enjoying the Christmas holidays without having to plan for the next term.
“I don’t have to get up anymore!” She jokes. Liz and Gary can enjoy lying in bed and drinking lots of coffee.
And all Liz has to think about now is what medieval mystery novel she will read next.
The couple have big plans to travel starting with a tour of England, going pub to pub and taking in the beauty of the English countryside. The Great Barrier Reef is also on the list as are more visits to see the grandchildren.
Liz enjoyed a special breakfast at the school on Friday morning and was presented with a painting – by former student Sophie Smyth – as a parting gift from the P and C.
“It was a lovely way to finish,” said Liz.