2023 sees a number of staff leaving BRSHS to either pursue exciting new opportunities or to retire from teaching. We asked a few of the team staff to share some of their experiences of their time here at Bracken Ridge High (or Nashville as it was known for some!)
Chappy Luke
I didn't plan on being a chaplain, in fact I said no thanks to the Bracken Ridge interview (I'm so glad I changed my mind). My journey transitioning from trade work to youth work didn't always go how i was expecting however I'm so thankful for the last 5.5 years at Bracken Ridge State Hight school. Having the opportunity to serve a school community and build positive relationships with students 5 days a week is certainly not something I have taken for granted. Working in a school and a greater community that is willing to support a Chaplain in a full-time capacity is a rare and wonderful thing. This has contributed in my love for the place as I have endeavoured to be involved in as much as possible, filling holes where I can and support and encourage this complex system that we call a school. What a pleasure it has been. I love chaplaincy and think it is a truly powerful and invaluable role in any school. Kids need our time poured out generously and undivided attention frequently. Two often unobtainable gifts for many of our young people. I still feel so honoured that students would feel so safe that they would trust me and share often some of the most vulnerable parts of their lives. To have a box of tissues as a staple on my coffee table means kids shed burdens and let emotion flow on the Chappy room couch. This is a big deal. Bracken Ridge state high and Chaplaincy still hold a firm grip on my heart however life circumstances create new possibilities and adventure calls.
As I have been talking with community groups over the last 5 years I have said on multiple occasion “I live in Bracken Ridge, I work on Bracken Ridge, I do to church in Bracken Ridge, I shop in Bracken Ridge, I play with the kids in the parks in Bracken ridge…… I'm all about Bracken Ridge"
I have felt that if I was going to do something different I would need to feel pretty strongly about it in order to pull me away from this place.
Starting January 2024 I will be joining the team at Camp Coolamatong in Victoria 3.5 hours east of Melbourne. As a Program Leaders I will be facilitating camps and sharing the joy of the outdoors with hundreds and hundreds of young people while growing and teaching young adults as part of our internship program. I will be learning a new bag of skills to further engage young people in this unique and exciting context while increasing my leaderships capacity. Thank you Bracken Ridge for the support I have experienced, priceless memories and all the warm wishes.
Mrs Garrick
2023 will see the end of my career with Education Queensland. After providing forty years of service, it is time for me to enjoy the next chapter of my life. During my career in education, I have worked across ten different high school ranging in size from 250 to 1900 students as teacher, Coordinator, Head of Department, Deputy Principal and Principal. My longest time has been here at Bracken Ridge State High School, and it is with a degree of sadness that I say goodbye. I am confident that I have had a positive influence on the lives of many who have passed through the doors of BRSHS but I need to acknowledge and thank the staff who have supported me through the years as you have had an incredible impact on my life.
As everyone who has worked with me knows I set high expectations and standards of myself and others with my primary focus on giving every student the best chance of success in life. I have enjoyed my work over the years but more importantly I was able to maintain my passion for making a difference in young people's lives. I have seen thousands of students (and parents) come and go throughout my career and I sincerely hope that I have made a positive impact on their lives and influenced their futures.
For me now this next chapter of life is about relaxation, travel, time with family and friends, and volunteer work. Anything less stressful than working in a high school! ☺☺☺
Thanks for the memories.
Mr Jentz
Having spent over half of my life at this school, it is time to leave and do something different. I have met so many amazing people – colleagues and students – that have made my time here so enjoyable. My wish is that the Bracken Ridge SHS community continues to work together to make the school a rewarding and happy place to be.
Mrs Parker
Being an art teacher has been a privilege and I wish future art teachers many happy years at Bracken Ridge high School. The arts encourages students to be creative and to expressive emotions. Fine motor skills are really important and in a digital world it is imperative that we stay connected with kinetic experiences as they help the brain grow and develops well-adjusted individuals.
Did you know that I first met Mr Cunningham when we were doing Teaching Prac at Aspley High in 1975? I was Post Graduate after 3 years at art college. I had to defer studies for 12 months after the first prac as I was knocked down by a car on my way to teachers college. I did not see him again until he was transferred into Nashville in 1983.
It is with a heavy but full heart that I turn the page to start a new creative chapter of my life. An artist never retires, instead of being a full-time teacher and part time artist, the plan is to be a full time artist and part time teacher. I wish everyone a content and peaceful life, be grateful for all that you have and enjoy your journey thought the years.
Mr Clancy-Jones
Mr C-J has been teaching at Bracken Ridge for six years and in that time he has shaped us all into the musicians we are today.
“You lot are my kids, my family and I will always help you the best I can. That is if you practise, if you don't practise, you don't belong to me! HA HA HA" We will miss Mr C-J's dad jokes, his sound effects and general craziness. You have changed so many lives and have played such a big role in not only our musical growth but you have also helped so many of us deal with our own personal issues . The music room was always a safe place for us to vent, whinge and cry in the lunch breaks.