Farewell to a storied career
FOR long-time teacher Brother Joachim Fabbro, life has turned full circle on his education career.
After 52 years teaching in Marist schools across Queensland, Br Fabbro will retire today in the very classroom he first taught in – a Year 9 class at St Augustine’s College.
He said it’s been a privilege to be in the education sector for as long as he has.
“Having to come back to the same school where I started – it’s like a homecoming,”
Br Fabbro said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
He returned to St Augustine’s College eight years ago and is now set to embark on a new adventure down in Sydney.
“I’ll be part of a house of welcome dealing with postschool students who have had contact with Marist schools,” Br Fabbro said.
While his new position will be a quieter affair than a classroom, Br Fabbro admitted he’ll miss some aspects of his job.
“It’s a mixed feeling of sadness (of leaving teaching),” he said. “At the same time, I’ve always said that I should go when I’m still on top.
“I won’t miss the bells and other aspects … but it’s the people that I will miss very much.”
His teaching philosophy was to always put the student first.
“You’re here to give them the best opportunity, to inspire them and to lead by example,” Br Fabbro said.
He said he will fondly remember the many highlights he encountered throughout his career.
“There’s no particular one (I’d pick out),” he said.
“Cairns is a very wonderful place to live and I shall miss all of that.”