The last day of school is always a mix of emotions.
Relief that the school year is over.
Excitment that the days are long and hot and sunny, ripe for adventure.
Grief that another group of kids that I have taughted and loved are moving up to high school and on with their lives.
Pride at how far they have come, how much they have grown and at the opportunities that lie ahead of them.
This year was coupled with the end of Ophir Lugassi's term as principal of Echai Tekoa. Ophir started at Echai 8 years ago, my first year coordinating the English department. Our first conversation was over the phone while I was in America for the summer. He was my 4th principal in 5 years.
They say that one person can make a difference. Ophir is that person. Ophir makes that difference.
When I began teaching at Echai 12 years ago, there were around 300 kids in the elementary school. The school has since expanded to include up to 8th graders, and split to a lower elementary and middle school. Our middle school, Echai Chativah Bogeret, now has over 650 students (the lower elementary has over 300). The growing pains we experienced were intense and sometimes felt insurmountable. Then came Ophir. His vision, leadership, and heart led our school to great heights over the past 8 years.
From the deepest tragedies to the highest successes. Ophir has been our steady hand, our captain leading our ship.
I don't think anyone can fully appreciate or understand what it has meant to be a principal in Israel for the past 8 years. He has had to not only lead our school through tremendous growth, he had to lead through a pandemic... a war with Hamas.. a war with Iran.. reservist duty... Each year, day, and moment with grace, sincerity, and even a touch of humor. Ophir always had a way of finding funny memes or signs in English and sending them to me periodically. (I hope that doesn't stop.) A touch of personalized humor and connection with a person who is responsible for a massive amount of kids and staff.
Ophir, I am so grateful for the unwaivering support. Not only did you let me lead my team without question, full trust. You also supported me, helped me with my homework as finished my Bachelor's Degree, and advocated for me with the dean of students. Always a step above and beyond.
Echai will not be the same without Ophir. Ophir, thank you for everything.
In that first year, I really struggled to find English teachers. Ophir found Aviva and she started as a member of the English team. Aviva substituted for me as department coordinator for both maternity leaves of mine. Aviva, the amazing educator that she is grew tremendously over those 8 years as well. She went on to lead the junior high school as Vice Principal and Aviva is also leaving Echai this year. Until recently she was saved in my phone as "Aviva - English?" Even though she spent a finite time as part of my team, I always took pride knowing that she came through my team on her way to becoming a central figure of Echai for 8 years.
8 years and two very talented leaders and educators are moving on. Although we do not yet know who will be our next principal and vice principal will be, I am sure that Ophir and Aviva will not only be greatly missed, but will leave great impacts where ever they go.
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