Dinos and Michelle Charalambous thanked for decades of dedication to education

Former Narrabri High School staff and students have praised the dedication of retiring educators Dinos and Michelle Charalambous.

The couple, who retired at the end of last year, have been part of Narrabri High School and the wider community for more than 30 years.

Mr Charalambous started at NHS in 1987 as an English and history teacher, moving to the school after one year teaching in Wee Waa.

His leadership and dedication to the students and broader school community resulted in Mr Charalambous becoming principal in 2018, after three terms in 2017 in a relieving capacity.

Mrs Charalambous joined NHS in 1989, following three years teaching at Narrabri TAFE, as a casual teacher in the role of a careers adviser.

Her enthusiasm for science led her to complete a science degree and she was given a permanent appointment in this subject.

Mr and Mrs Charalambous were joined by current and former staff at a special farewell function at The Crossing Theatre on Saturday night.

A farewell video was also presented on the evening, with former staff and students also singing the couple’s praise at the end of a life-long dedication to education.

Narrabri High School deputy principal Rozina Mison addressed the gathering before the video was presented.

Wee Waa High School principal Annabel Doust, who worked with Mr and Mrs Charalambous at the high school for many years, was unable to attend the gathering but sent a message to the retiring couple.

The couple’s daughter, Sophie, delivered a touching video message praising their commitment to educating local students.

She said her parents set such a great example as teachers that she decided to follow in their path to become an educator herself.

Following the messages of well wishes, Mr and Mrs Charalambous thanked their friends and colleagues for joining them at their farewell function.

“While I miss seeing you every day, I am really enjoying this retirement,” Mrs Charalambous told her former colleagues.

Mr Charalambous echoed similar comments and thanked the well-wishers for joining them at The Crossing Theatre.

Throughout the evening, a slideshow of images across the years was also displayed.