It is with a tinge of melancholy that I write my last Kesher article. I am thinking about all Perth has given me and my family, recognising and celebrating the gift that the past six years have been. I am going to really miss Perth, especially Carmel and the Perth Jewish community.

This week’s Parsha is all about the redemption of Judah – Yehuda, the brother who instigated the selling of Josef. It is this week that we read of Judah’s pleas to save Benjamin, offering to stand in his place so that Jacob would not again suffer the loss of a son from his beloved Rachel.

We, the Jewish people, derive our name from Judah and, I hope too, carry from him the characteristics of both contrition and gratitude. (The name Judah is linguistically related to the word ‘Todah’, thanks).

When I first arrived at Carmel and spoke to the staff, I said that it was inevitable that I would make mistakes. And I have lived up to my word. There have been things that, if I had my time over, I would do differently. And as I knew better, I did better. For all the wrongs I have done, I am sorry. Please know that I have always endeavoured to do what I thought was right, do what was in the best interests of our students and tried to act with integrity. I appreciate your patience and forgiveness.

Keeping with the theme of Judah – thanks – I want to thank my colleagues who work tirelessly for our School, your children. Long after the lights are out on both Woodrow and Cresswell, the staff are still madly typing on their computers or planning the next excursion or camp. Everybody I have worked with at Carmel sees their job as a vocation, a calling to educate the leaders and citizens of tomorrow.

I thank our parent body who are supportive of our School and understand and embrace the partnership between teachers and parents. Thank you for cooking for camps, coming on excursions, speaking to our students about your vocation, being mentors for entrepreneurship and guarding our School during parents’ patrol. But, mostly, thank you bringing up such magnificent menschen and entrusting your children to our care.

My biggest thanks go to our students! Thank you for embracing all that Carmel has to offer, for your enthusiasm, your diligence, and the kindness you show one another. You have demonstrated resilience and determination, but have done so with a smile. On a personal note, the highlight of my time at Carmel has been in the classroom. To my Year 8s and 9s, thank you for brightening my days and giving me such nachas!

Farewell Carmel. I will miss you and will love seeing you go from strength to strength!

Shula