The founder of our school, the Very Reverend Father Ierotheos Kourtessis of eternal memory, made an inspired decision in 1982. That is when he appointed a just graduated teacher, Miss Olga Josseff as a teacher at St John’s College. In 1982, St John’s College was still at its Carlton campus, where it had been established three years earlier, and that’s where Miss Josseff began her teaching career. It was an exciting time as the school was so new, and the enthusiasm and eagerness was palpable. Everyone was focussed on the success of St John’s College, and much of the responsibility was placed on the shoulders of its young teaching staff. As such, in 1983, the Years 7 and 8 students began their schooling where we are today, in Preston. Father Kourtessis chose Miss Josseff and, another legend of our school, Mr Salmanidis, to establish the new campus. They were responsible for the new Senior campus and looked after, well, everything. And one can imagine the amazing bond that came to be developed during those pioneering years.
Miss Josseff has been associated with our school for 39 years. During that time, she married and became Mrs Bitsas and took time to have her two daughters. After this, she returned to St John’s College, the school she loved.
As St John’s College grew and expanded, and eventually became a Prep to Year 12 campus at Preston, Mrs Bitsas’ teaching became more extensive. In recent years, we know her as primarily teaching in the English/EAL Department, and she has been involved with the Literacy Support program. However, she has taught so much more! The classes Mrs Bitsas has taught include, English, EAL, History, Geography, SOSE/Humanities, Greek, GGS (for those of us old enough to remember – Greek General Studies), Orthodoxy and… wait for it – SPORT! She has also been a Year Level Co-ordinator, Girls Welfare Co-ordinator, Camps Co-ordinator, involved with debating and organising fetes. Because, at a school such as ours, it’s all hands on deck! And even it’s not your teaching method, you do it!
As a colleague, all teachers, past and present, can attest to Mrs Bitsas’ collaborative nature. She is a wonderful team member – happy to discuss, share, mentor, support, reach out, respect and celebrate with her colleagues. And to share in concerns, worries or anxiety. Her experience and knowledge has meant that many teachers have asked for her opinion and ideas on a topic, subject or situation and she has always freely shared. I know this firsthand, as I have been the recipient of all of the above. Mrs Bitsas and I taught Year 12 VCE English and Year 8 English together. And where there was stress, uncertainty and worry, mostly on my part, there was calmness and composure from her. I thank her for everything.
I have given Mrs Bitsas the title of College archivist as she has all the Yearbooks and so many photos of our school from the very beginning. College fetes and carnivals, social events and so on. Whenever I have needed a point of reference, a photo or a memory, it is to her that I turn.
There’s a quote that states that Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students, and this is true of Mrs Bitsas. When teaching, her aim has always been to meet the needs of every and each student, individually. She has been there to support all her students over the years, and when she meets past students, their respect for her is evident.
Now one can’t teach at a school for so long, and not develop friendships which eventually feel like family. Ms Mourtzios and Mrs Bitsas began teaching at St John’s College at the same time. They lived around the corner from each other and so, like the good friends they are, they came to school together, and they went home together. They also went on holidays together, where Ms Hanos also joined them. Mrs Bitsas and Ms Mourtzios were the ‘dynamic duo’. The ‘dynamic duo’ became the, what I like to call the ‘terrific trio’ when I came on board. Our desks have always been together, regardless of which staffroom or office we were in. Every year we took a group photo that adorned Mrs Bitsas’ desk, and Mrs Bitsas and I would coordinate who would take Ms Mourtzios home after school meetings. We went to school functions together, and I was always the designated driver. At this point I would like to apologise to Mrs Bitsas and Ms Mourtzios for sometimes missing the Bell St turn off because I was too busy talking!
Our school was established on the cornerstones of Orthodox Christianity and Hellenism. Father Kourtessis ensured that the bright, engaging and professional teachers he employed shared his vision of educating young Greek Australians who would love their Orthodox Christian faith, their Greek cultural heritage, and contribute positively to the Greek community and the broader Australian society. Mrs Bitsas has been a key element of this vision.
We wish Mrs Bitsas the very best as she retires from St John’s College and teaching. May she enjoy time with her family, her husband Arthur, her daughters Sophia and Joanna and her amazing mother, who is 99 years old!
Farewell from Ms Ourania Giannos
on behalf of St John’s College