A LOCAL couple who dedicated a combined total of 61 years of service to Loxton High School said goodbye to the region recently.
Former respected teachers Bruno Falcinella and Michelle McKinnon, of Loxton, both retired in 2013 and late last year made the decision to move to Adelaide to be closer to family.
Mrs McKinnon, who taught English and history from 1984 to 1992 and returned in 2000 after caring for her two sons, Nicholas and Alex, said she and her husband were “sad to leave Loxton”.
“When I first moved to Loxton in the ’80s, it was initially for a rural teaching stint,” she said.
“I then met Bruno, we started a family, and stayed for more than 30 years.
“The ease of living in Loxton was a comfort and the people were great and extremely friendly.
“We’ll miss the lifestyle, the view, surrounding towns and familiarity, but we are excited for our next journey in Adelaide.
“Adelaide holds attraction. There’s lots to do and our sons are there, so we look forward to enjoying our retirement in the city.”
Mr Falcinella, who taught science from 1973 to 1974 and returned to the school in 1977 as senior science master, described working at Loxton High School as a “thoroughly enjoyable time”.
“Loxton High School is a fantastic school – always has been and always will be,” he said.
“When I started there in the ’70s, it was an era when girls started choosing the sciences and the maths and were ambitious to advance their education further.
“It was an honour to be part of that and I couldn’t think of a greater place to work.”
Mrs McKinnon described her time at Loxton High School as the “glory days”.
“The students were very respectful and the school provided them with so many opportunities,” she said.
“When our boys were born in the ’90s, we were more than happy to stay in Loxton because of the school’s reputation and the opportunities it provides.”
Both Mr Falcinella and Mrs McKinnon were heavily involved in the community.
Mr Falcinella served on the Loxton Cricket Club committee, played senior cricket and coached juniors, was the Loxton Swimming Club treasurer, on the Loxton Grounds committee, part of the Loxton Tree Watering Group and a Riverland Health Service volunteer.
Mrs McKinnon served as the president of Loxton Kindergym, coached junior T-ball, volunteered at Loxton Primary School and was a Riverland Health Service volunteer.
The duo said Loxton will always hold a place in their hearts and they will be back for visits in the future.