I have always loved writing and over the past four years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing aspects of Carmel School life with you each week. I must confess, though, that I haven’t looked forward to writing this last post. Goodbyes don’t come easily to me and I’m not good at leaving. Initially I wondered whether my mum and sister were the only people who read my weekly scribbles, but conversations over the years reassured me that others were reading too and that encouragement kept me going. Today I’ll allow myself a little self-indulgence and reflect on my time at Carmel and what I’ll remember about this very special school.

Four years ago, I had never knowingly met anyone Jewish. The thought of leading a Jewish day school was both exciting and daunting. I needn’t have worried; from day one I was welcomed, accepted and grateful for the opportunity to learn about a community that, as some of my friends politely say, “has a lot going on”.

Carmel has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. The ‘Shabbat shalom’ texts that now circulate among various family members every Friday afternoon always make me smile. I’ve reconnected with members of my own family, inspired by what I’ve learned here about the central importance of family; and I will forever be grateful for the understanding of what it means to be a mensch.

So, what will I remember? I’ll remember the dedicated, hard-working teachers who invest so much care and love into their work and open countless opportunities for our students. I’ll remember the CSG and the team of people who quietly and competently keep us safe on campus each day. I’ll remember the generosity of our P&F, who volunteer their time to friend-raise and fund-raise for the School. On the hardest days, I’ll remember sitting in the ELC, finding comfort in the children who are the reason we do what we do. I’ll remember singing Hatikvah with heart in assembly, along with the beloved Carmel School song. I’ll remember standing at the gate, greeting children each morning. Most of all, I’ll remember the students themselves; the funny, bright, talented young people who ensured there were very few days when I didn’t laugh or smile.

I’ll also remember the hard times, including the challenges and fears of Covid as we worked to ensure learning continued towards the end of the pandemic. I’ll remember a time towards the end of 2023, when I greeted children arriving at the Primary School gate protected by five armed police, four CSG security guards in stab-proof vests and my Principal’s badge. I will remember having to make decisions which, whatever option I chose, would inevitably upset or anger different members of the community.

That’s what leaders do. They look after people; they listen, they learn and they make hard decisions. When you’re leading an institution as important as a school, it’s even more essential that those hard decisions are made with careful thought and consultation. I am grateful to those of you who have vehemently disagreed yet understood the necessity of some choices and supported them. I have valued the wise counsel of many of you who have freely shared your thoughts and I have appreciated those of you who have entrusted us with the most precious things in your life, your children.

Arguably the most significant learning has been my increased understanding and knowledge of this remarkable Jewish community which I have grown to love. I will take this with me and I commit to continue to use that understanding to educate others. It has been a privilege to have been welcomed into the community and trusted to lead this fabulous school over the past four years. I am proud of what we have achieved together in that time and of the many developments that have positioned the School for ongoing success.

A heartfelt thank you.

Shabbat shalom.

Dr Julie Harris

Principal