Narrabri High School says farewell to Rozina Broderick

Narrabri High School Deputy Principal Rozina Broderick is a much-loved and respected staff member within the school, with some very bittersweet news to share.

After 33 years delivering knowledge, responsibility and most importantly friendship, Rozina will be departing Narrabri High School to begin her new position as Head of Secondary at Namoi Valley Christian School in Wee Waa.

“I love it here, this has been the most amazing 33 years of my life, but I feel it’s time for new people, new ideas and a new location,” Ms Broderick said.

“The principal has great vision for the school here, but I’m looking forward to teaching in a Christian environment.”

Rozina has always wanted to be a teacher, and said her biggest inspiration was those who once taught her.

“I think a lot of teachers would agree with me when I say it is the teachers you had at school that really inspire you,” she said.

“I always wanted to be a teacher, and I just had such good teachers at my school, particularly in high school, who really inspired me to help shape the next generation.”

Rozina has been a central figure at Narrabri High School for over 30 years, and she feels like the school has much to offer both the community and its students.

“One of the biggest strengths of Narrabri High School is that whatever your passion is, we will find a way to help you meet that goal.

“From race car drivers to our footy players, our musicians, our ag students who go to competitions, we get the full spectrum here.

“I think that’s important, because it means we can support all kinds of passions.”

But, as much as she has taught her students, Rozina acknowledges that her students also taught her a lot about herself and her passion for teaching.

“I guess everybody, particularly when you start out young, you think you know everything, but the older I get, the less I know.

“I’ve learned lots from the kids as much as I’ve taught them.

“In particular, the fact that you don’t always see what’s going on.

“You see the outward expression of what’s going on, but, when you dig a little deeper, you have to learn lots of compassion.

“I’ve had my kids here, my kids are graduated and have gone off to uni, I’ve got the most amazing friends, the kids here are amazing, the parents are amazing and I’m going to miss it. Really, really miss it.”

Rozina definitely knows a thing or two about becoming a trusting teacher, so here is some advice she would give to someone just starting out.

“Don’t think that you can do everything at once.

“I’ve spent 33 years teaching, and I think you have to develop your classroom skills before you try and do other things.

“I think you should take your time, don’t be in a rush, involve yourself in things, and get involved in the community.”