Connections Maria & Tom Frossinakis, Marguerite Coad
Maria and Tom have made Birdwood their home, finding connection in both community and profession. “Birdwood is a great community, and I have a very great affinity for my profession of teaching,” Tom says.
Their connection to place was cemented through the kindness of neighbours. “When we first moved to Birdwood, I was sick in hospital and I had two tea towels hanging on the clothes line. All of our neighbours came out of nowhere asking if I was ok… it is nice to know you have neighbours that are so thoughtful,” remarks Maria.
The connections within our school between staff, students and families. The beauty of a small country town school is the invaluable relationships built amongst our little community where so many people step up to help each other.
That spirit of community is what drew Marguerite Coad to coordinate Birdwood Farm Day, an annual event part of South Australia’s History Festival that brings the town together. “I love that it brings our whole school community together to provide people far and wide with the opportunity to experience country living,” she says. “It is an event that our school is so incredibly proud of and we enjoy collaborating with local business as well as businesses in the wider community. It is always lovely to see so many people and families making wonderful memories that are often talked about years later.”
Growing up in the small country town of Jamestown before moving to the suburbs during primary school, Marguerite experienced different worlds. But it wasn’t until she moved to Birdwood twelve years ago that she truly came to appreciate country living. “Having lived in Birdwood for the last 12 years, I have really grown to appreciate country living and how lucky we are to have so many beautiful places in South Australia.”
When asked what connection she’s most grateful for, her answer reflects the heart of small-town life: “The connections within our school between staff, students and families. The beauty of a small country town school is the invaluable relationships built amongst our little community where so many people step up to help each other.”