After a teaching career spanning four decades, Dr Jules Colman is ready for a gap year.
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On Friday the St Patrick's College deputy principal and head of senior school officially retired.
Described by her peers as “instrumental” to the development of performing arts in the state’s North, Dr Colman said the time was right for her to take centre stage.
“It does feel surreal and I don’t think it has really hit me yet,” she said.
“It has all be beautiful in terms of reflecting and reminiscing with past students, teachers and friends – particularly in the arts world.
“But it is time for me to spend time with family and to have time for myself.
“It has been a long career and I haven’t had a break. I think you just know when the time is right and I am leaving a happy, fulfilled person.”
After 25 years in the public system, Dr Colman moved to St Patrick's College in 1998 to take up dance and drama teacher position. However it didn’t take long for her to be named as the head of arts.
From the school’s bi-annual productions, Rock Eisteddfod involvement as well as national success in the Wakakirri Competition, there have been plenty of things to keep Dr Colman busy over the years.
But it was her role as a drama consultant for the state’s North prior to coming to St Patrick’s she said provided her with the greatest insight into what being a teacher was really about.
“Working with students from kindergarten to year 12, it gave me a real insight into the whole educational spectrum,” she said.
“Admittedly it was through the arts lense, but I got to see the real development of students. So I was very privileged – that really was a change for me in seeing how it all connects.”
Not only has teaching allowed Dr Colman to find fulfillment, it also helped her through some tough times.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Dr Colman said coming to work helped her to heal.
“Having a community where I belonged and where I wanted to come to was so important,” she said.
“Being positive, I used to plan my treatment programs around the weekends. I remember coming to school with no hair and the students were quite fascinated, because 18 years ago the word cancer was a death sentence.
“So in that respect I guess they saw that you can come through things.”
As for the next chapter, Dr Colman said she hoped to remain active in Launceston’s arts scene, with one final message for her students.
“I want them to believe in themselves and to know when they are unsure, that it OK to ask for help,” she said.
“It is OK to be open to the help you need and the love you can give. Don’t hide, don’t shy away from it.”