OUTGOING Tathra Public School P&C president Linda Badewitz-Dodd has received the perfect parting gift.
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Ms Badewitz-Dodd, who has been in the role for 11 years, was named the NSW Department of Education and Communities’ Public School Parent of the Year.
An emotional Ms Badewitz-Dodd received the honour at a special presentation yesterday.
Guests included NSW Department of Education and Communities Far South Coast director Paul Morris, school principal Graham Roberts and Ms Badewitz-Dodd’s daughter Mackenzie.
Ms Badewitz-Dodd was one of only 19 parents in the state to receive the prestigious award.
As P&C president, her tasks have included fundraising, running meetings and organising interview panels.
One of her proudest moments was organising a trivia night that raised $6000 for a school excursion this year.
Ms Badewitz-Dodd joined the P&C 11 years ago when her daughter Georgia started her schooling journey.
Georgia has now completed her HSC studies, while Henry, 16, is also in high school.
Youngest daughter Mackenzie is a Tathra Public School captain and is in her final weeks at the school.
Ms Badewitz-Dodd said she was “very overwhelmed” to be named parent of the year.
“I’ve had a long association with this school – it’s the best school ever,” she said.
“The school has such lovely staff and is a lovely community.
“I will certainly miss it here.”
Ms Badewitz-Dodd thanked the P&C and school’s staff for their support.
“Thank you so much for everything.
“It’s lovely to be recognised, but it’s overwhelming because so many other people have contributed to the school.
“I’ve had hard-working committees over the years, but I’ve probably got the loudest voice,” she said with a laugh.
Outside of her P&C work, Ms Badewitz-Dodd is actively involved in the Tathra community.
Ms Badewitz-Dodd is president of the Tathra Hockey Club and a member of the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club and Tathra Wharf to Waves committee.
“We are a community – you get out there and you help and volunteer,” Ms Badewitz-Dodd said.
“If we all sat back, nothing would be done.”
Ms Badewitz-Dodd said her proudest achievement was overseeing her children’s time at Tathra PS.
“You always want what’s best for your kids and being involved has been the best way to do that,” she said.
“But at the end of the day, you’re a parent, not a friend – we only have one chance at being a parent.”
Tathra P&C secretary Kate Whitton said Ms Badewitz-Dodd is an “inspiration”.
Ms Whitton said “I don’t think we’ve ever find another Linda”.
“Everything you can do, I think you’ve done it in your 11 years of service,” Ms Whitton said.
“What a beautiful person you are – I’ve always thought if Linda can do it, I can do it.
“If there was ever a worthy recipient, you’re it Linda.”
Teacher Kel Jamieson complimented Ms Badewitz-Dodd on her great personality and for being supportive.
“I hope you understand the significance of this and how proud we are – you’re worth a million dollars,” he said.
“We want to celebrate with you.”
Tathra school captain Jacob Scott said Ms Badewitz-Dodd “makes the school a better place”, while Mackenzie simply said “I’m so proud of you”.
