While I’m ready for my adventure to Africa, it was not without emotion that I said goodbye, albeit just for a term, to my little (and bigger mates) who trundle across my school crossing at Manly’s Victoria Pde every school morning. The children, mostly from Manly Village Public, often flanked by younger siblings, make my day with their hilarious observations (your hair is gone!) their endless questions (why do you carry that big stick?) and their stories, (starting at the kerb, continuing, always with a sense of drama, as they cross, and inevitably shouting the finish at me from the opposite kerb). Then there are those so filled with the need to share and oblivious to the halted traffic, who stop, bang in the middle to have a chat, including the mutts who stop to wiggle their very enthusiastic hellos. And who can forget those pesky, fun sixth graders, zooming across ‘off’ their bikes… you know how you are!

I also have a smattering of St Augustine’s and Bali boys (too cool for school), the years 11 and 12 on their Ps, initially mortified when I’d wave and smile perseveringly (oh no, the lollipop lady is waving at me, can’t wave back in front of my mates!) now they give a shout out. Good luck to all sitting their HSC this year!

I have the randoms strolling down from ICMS, (mostly shy foreign students not quite sure how to react to the very loud lollipop lady), the cheeky older blokes (they make me feel a million bucks) and my tradies, including Sid, always stopping with a smile and an update on his huge weekend or his Nan, and Al who’d zoom through and make his truck go ‘whooo’ just for me.

Thank you all and a special thanks for the lovely gifts I received. In particular, the fabulous passport wallet from Khloe and the amazing wishes from Amity and Zahra! I’m certainly following my dreams girls!

I’ll miss you all… but not if you send me a message and let me know how you are!