By Olivia Condous
Lyra Benbow has been a teacher at Diggers Rest Primary School since the Plumpton Street grounds officially opened 31 years ago, but now it’s finally time to say goodbye.
Ms Benbow is moving on from the school community and into retirement, leaving behind a long and meaningful legacy.
Ms Benbow said while she wouldn’t be seeing her students in the classroom, she knew she’d see them around the local community and at school events.
“I have no qualms about leaving them, because I know I’ll see them from time to time and I’ll see them at carols and graduation,” she said.
Ms Benbow recalled many fond memories of her time working at the school, where she helped to plant the gardens, open a canteen, run a school choir and taught every age group.
“It’s been a long, long journey and the kids are just lovely, really lovely kids,
“The rapport is right through the whole school, the staff and the students have great rapport,” she said.
Ms Benbow said she cared most about fostering resilience in her students and her goal was always to teach them how to make good decisions.
“They are so happy to learn and that’s the big difference I’ve found, I’m going to take away that I’ve made an impact on their lives,” she said.
Ms Benbow still has students from thirty years ago say hello when they see her out in the community.
“I ask how they are, I remember their names, I remember the parents’ names and they say wow!”
The school community will celebrate Ms Benbow’s teaching career with a ‘colour explosion’ party on April 8.
She plans to spend time with her mother and enjoy new adventures in her retirement.
