SCHOOL is back in session across New South Wales, and one local school is celebrating a much loved teacher’s anniversary.
Balranald Central School and St Joseph Parish Primary School are amongst the schools welcoming new students for 2025.
Nine new kindergarten students have started at Balranald Central School, with another three starting at St Joseph Parish Primary School.
The class of 2025 marks a huge milestone for one teacher and a handful of students at Balranald Central School.
Celebrating her 45th anniversary with the school, Ellen Sendy marked her milestone with three of her third-generation students.
The students, Huxley, Angus and Bonny, follow their parents and grandparents, who were all students at Balranald Central School and were all taught by Mrs Sendy.
Balranald Central School Principal Nadine Matarazzo said Mrs Sendy is the school’s constant.
“She is now and has always been the caring mother hen,” she said.
“Her teaching journey started back in 1981 marking an incredible 45 years.
“She’s taught children, parents and grandparents.
“Ellen now works part time to ease back from her full-time teaching career.
“She works around the school calendar and comes in and helps when and where she is needed.
“Ellen is the person that is always there for the new teachers as they come through starting their career.”
After 45 years, Ellen is a familiar face within the school and the wider Balranald community.
“She has led many initiatives,” said Ms Matarazzo.
“Ellen changed the focus on our Kriss Cringle so we buy a gift for the teacher as if they were a child.
“It was a fun and creative way to have some laughs as we end up with a collection of toys.
“The toys collected were then taken to Mallee family care where Ellen would donate the lot.
“She was just that type of person.
“She is a good constant and has a gentle temperament.
“Ellen has faced many changes throughout her teaching career, with the biggest being the use of technology in teaching.
“She always embraced it though.
“She loves her job and maintains strong relationships with teachers past and present.
“Her two adult children went to this school and now have families of their own.
“It is always lovely to come in each day to look back at the photos over the years and to see her there, she truly is the constant.
“She still comes in and checks in on everyone, even me.
“Ellen is now easing back in her teaching commitments but she’s still here.
“She is a dedicated teacher, and it is a pleasure to share her commitment to her job of 45 years.”
