We say farewell to Helen and Peter Lindquist
After 19 years of faithful service to SPW Helen Lindquist (Executive Assistant to the Principal) and Peter Lindquist (Property and Maintenance Team) will be retiring. We are so grateful for the way in which they have contributed to the life of the school that has gone well above and beyond their job descriptions! We interviewed Helen recently to ask her about what makes SPW so extraordinary and her reflections on her 19 year tenure at the school.
What is some of your favourite memories of working at SPW?
Highlights for me have always been attending any child-centred events, including musicals, soirées, cabarets, the Big Concerts, graduations, sports days, cross country, assemblies, and dressing up for Book Week Parades, to name but a few. I have also really loved joining in Chapel Services when time has permitted. Two of my favourite memories would be (1) being involved in the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party where I first met Auntie Daphne Rickett, aboriginal elder, and then subsequently (2) attending the opening of the Piltangka Plaza last year when she was a guest and where her art work is featured on panels around the area. I now have a lasting friendship with Auntie Daphne which is very special to me.
How has SPW changed over the years?
Since 2004 enrolments have almost doubled, the Early Learning Centre has flourished and grown exponentially, and the learning and teaching programs and extracurricular activities have expanded incredibly. SPW seems to have been on a permanent building program over my 18 years. Building renovations and upgrades continue to this very day, with many exciting ideas in the pipeline for the future.
What makes SPW a special place to work?
I have had the privilege of working alongside an amazing group of people and count it a privilege to step onto this incredible campus each day as a staff member. The sense of ‘community’ at SPW is palpable, unique, something very special. It really has been a very extraordinary place to be a part of.
What are you looking forward to doing in your retirement?
At the moment there are no immediate plans. I may feel a bit lost initially, but I’m sure I’ll soon be caught up with the busyness of life in general. Being able to meet up with family and friends during week days will be wonderful. I believe in miracles, so perhaps a fitness regime may finally come to fruition.
If you were to give one piece of wisdom to the future generation, what would it be?
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present. Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.