Noongar language teacher Pat Davis has been celebrated during her last week working at Avonvale Primary School.
The Aboriginal elder who started her journey with the school as a parent on the P&C in the 1980s, announced her retirement after 28 years of employment at the primary school.
Mrs Davis, or Nana Pat and she is known by the students, was the guest of honour at the Avonvale end of year assembly on Friday, December 7.
She was presented with an artists portrait of herself surrounded by the fingerprints of students.
Mrs Davis was part of the second intake in the state of people to be trained as Aboriginal language speakers.
Associate principal Peta Newbound said she has been honoured to work alongside someone of Mrs Davis’ standing.
“You are much more than Mrs Davis or Nana Pat,” she said.
“We have been inundated with people you have touched during your career.
“You have taught Noongar to the generations for the past 21 years and have brought back the understanding and respect of a lost language to modern day children; Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal as well as parents and staff.”
Ms Newbound said Mrs Davis’ role has not been restricted to teaching the Noongar language.
“Pat, you’ve been indispensable as a mediator,” she said.
“The respect the community has for you is immense.
“Many a parent or student has come up feeling that they or their child has been unfairly chastised or that there has been conflict in the community but at Nana Pat at my side there were always conflicts that you have always helped move quickly.
“You have always been the voice of reason, calm and truth and widely respected by everyone.”
Letters were also presented from the Language Directorate and Statewide Services.
Mrs Davis has been involved in running the breakfast club every morning and has provided children with opportunities through the Ballardong Cricket Academy.
“The year 3/4s and I did some maths last week and we calculated that you have made some 7000 breakfasts over 28 years from Mondays to Fridays including cricket club over summer.” said Ms Newbound.
“You have been absolutely amazing at keeping kids out of trouble and on the right tracks whether it was through the Basllardong Cricket Academy that you and Mark and your family and friends have set up.
“You’ve helped kids get on the bus, get off the bus, made sure they had whites, made them a cooked breakfast and took them all around the state to play cricket.
“You gave them the opportunity to win scholarships, to have different choices in life.”
Mrs Davis, in modest fashion, thanked visitors for coming to celebrate her retirement with her.
“It’s been a long journey and I’ve loved every moment of it,” she said.
“All the kids; I’m going to miss you all.
“Enjoy the rest of your life at Avonvale and wherever you go.
“Aim for the highest mark you can get so you can be somebody.”
The assembly was followed by an afternoon tea with family, friends, colleagues present and past and community members in attendance.
