I started working at the Dunwich State School as a relief teacher in 1986. I was then asked to teach Year Eight in what is now the multipurpose building for the last semester of 1986 and stayed there for five years before the Dunwich Secondary Department was built. I was fortunate to transfer into the primary school when Mrs. Margaret Nash, who had been at the school for many years, retired. I have taught all year levels from Year Three and older, possibly around 1000 children, and have taught second and third generations of some of the island families.
I have seen many changes over the last 39 years, notably the physical additions to the school. The library and Principal’s office used to be in A Block and both A and B Blocks had verandas extending their length. Parade used to be held in front of A block and I’m sure many will remember the snake painted on the concrete and the recorder band that used to play the anthem and music for students to go to class.
My most enjoyable moments were the excursions I organised. Five years at an outdoor education outdoor camp, Meebun-bia, Camp Goodenough near Mt Warning for two years and nine years sleeping under the sharks at Underwater World. I have loved providing experiences for our students such as the Ekka, Dreamworld, Seaworld, the QLD Museum, the Science Centre, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the movies, Area 51 and Southbank.
Teaching the children of our community has been a great privilege. I would like to thank the staff and wider community for their support over the last four decades. I will not be a stranger - every now and then I’ll be at the school replacing teachers when needed. I look forward to my next chapter. Jenni Turner