Farewell Addresses

From Mina Cardamone

On numerous occasions when we (My sisters Maria, Tonia and I) were together with Santo, growing up, he would give us questions (like Sale of the Century), but without the buzzers. We would shout out the answers to him and he would keep a tally of who was leading. On one particular occasion the question was “Where does water come from”? I responded “A tap”. Everyone burst out laughing and Santo’s reaction was “that’s a classic Mina, but technically you are right”, trying to make me feel better. Every time we played this game, Santo would always bring up the classic water question and we would all burst out laughing. On another occasion we were all at Santo’s house on a hot Sunday afternoon sitting outside under the veranda. At this stage of life, Santo was studying Law at Monash University. This particular day Santo said he would cut my hair. It turned into an all day affair from the afternoon until the late evening (thank goodness for day light saving!). When Santo finally finished rearranging my head, everyone looked at each other and agreed that he should definately finish off his law degree! A hairdresser he was definately not! These are only some of the numerous stories we remember from our childhood with Santo and his family. He was like a brother to us and we have so many fond memories which I will cherish forever. I hope he is now at peace with his Mum, Dad and sister Angela. Until we meet again. Love your sister Mina. As Santo would say “EM BE” (That’s it).

From Marc Giogha

Santo was my godfather and I loved him very much and I miss him tremendously. To me he was always known as “Compari Santo” and I addressed him this way all of my life. I always hoped I could make him proud of me and whenever I needed to run something by him, wether it was about school, work or friends, he would always be there for me and make me feel positive and upbeat. I know he loved my family and me, especially my grandparents Peppe & Teresa, and their daughters Toni & Mary (my mother and aunty). We shared many celebrations together and we always looked out for him as he did with us, he was a part of our family and will always be. I can rest in the knowledge that my family and I were always there for him, right up to the end. I’ll miss the phone calls and long chats about our beloved Magpies. I hope next year they can break through and win the flag and when they do I’ll be thinking of you. I wish I got the chance to say goodbye and the tragic way you left us will upset me forever. Say hi to Nonno up there and I hope I can still one day make you both proud…I have been so privileged to have you in my life, as was everyone else that you encountered. Rest in peace, Compari. Marc Giogha

From Tonia Cardamone

27 October, 2009 I have wonderful memories of Santo. He wasn’t just a cousin to my sisters and I, he was the brother that we never had. Santo, Maria, Mina, and I were always together as kids. I still have vivid memories of playing wrestling in the lounge room at Santo’s house. The teams were always the same, Mina and Santo against Maria and me. Maria and I were always terrified of getting into the ring with Santo, as he used to practice all his new wrestling moves on us. Once Mina was in the ring, Maria and I rushed to get in to fight. When Santo would get back in the cry from both of us would be “tag”, “tag”, “tag” “please tag”! We also spent many summers playing rounders at Santo’s house. The teams would be the same as our wrestling adventures. We would play for hours until Santo would make me cry and I would run in to tell his mother what he did. She would then grab the broom and chase him around yelling”Spadonato!” (Meaning – wait till I get my hands on you”). We spent countless summer hours enduring Santo’s favourite pastime: Test Cricket. How many years could we watch the West Indies hammer Australia? Santo would spend hours, days, and months trying to teach me Maths, to no avail. Somehow I think that Santo would think to himself “Tonia is a lost cause”, but that did not stop him from trying. The stories and memories I have of Santo are far too numerous to put on paper. Growing up with Santo and his family; both families were inseparable. My dear Santo, I know you are now happy again to be with your Mum, Dad and Sister. May you now rest in peace! With Love, always Your (sister) Tonia.

From Santo

Dear Colleagues, I hope that these few words find you all in good spirits. Second term is always a challenging period and you richly deserve this mid year break. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for not being present with you today to accept this beautiful plaque, however, please allow John Fotias who has been a tower of strength to me in my time of need to read out a few words on my behalf. It is a very emotional task to express my inner feelings about my 25 year association with the College given that l have endured a very challenging 12 months of health related problems. Can l begin by thanking the staff members with whom l have worked along side for their professionalism, generosity, warmth and good humour over the years. I carry with me so many cherished moments of what we have shared together from the early days in Carlton running right through to our many happy experiences on the Preston campus. Our friendship and mutual respect for one another will always remain with me where ever the winds of change take me and l have gained so much from working with you in our very noble profession. I’m honoured to have met you and blessed by God to have shared such a large part of our working lives together where we have pooled our skills and talents together to see the College grow from its humble beginnings to where it is today. Be proud of your achievements, as you have played a large part in shaping the College of today. That is why your efforts can never be praised highly enough given that in conjunction with the College community you have played a significant role in building the solid foundations upon which St. John’s stands today… a College that had its origins in sacrifice, however, has evolved into an educational institution that is rewarding our society with hard working, respectful and dedicated young men and women. On a personal level l keep in contact with many former students who remember their time and their relationship with staff with warmth and reverence. No higher accolade can be bestowed on a teacher when you hear these heart felt feelings from former students. We definitely generate a family spirit here at St.John’s and it does my heart so much good to hear these comments or when l see the children of former students attending the College and ensuring that the tradition of family continues. How can l ever forget a little lass in Prep who approached me a few years ago and asked me “ Are you Mr.Costanzo? To which l replied yes-sweet heart. She had a beautiful sparkle in her eye and said as proud as punch, “ You taught my Mummy”… and what was Mummy’s name l asked to which she replied it was Mummy. Naturally of course- silly me l should have known that! I had tears in my eyes and when l eventually found out who Mummy was l knew that part of our mission as educators was to continue to nurture and cultivate this spirit of family. Long may it continue! We have students who have gone on to achieve in all walks of life since our first year 12 class of 1983 and its such a beautiful feeling knowing that a number saw the College and still do as an extension of their family, knowing that it teaches an outstanding curriculum but also provides their children with the qualities and values that they held so dearly when they were students themselves. Once again this is just a small example of this enormously powerful spirit that underlies the very fabric of St.John’s and you play a big role in this. Sure there will be days when you can throttle a student or three but once that blows away as it always does we find that our students want to take into society the values that our founding fathers had when they originally formed St.John’s College and that is to have students enter the wider community proud of their history, culture, language and traditions and add to the fabric of our multi-cultural society. Many of our students have gone on to achieve in all walks of life and this is in no small way testimony to the dedication and commitment of the teaching staff here at St. John’s. I have personally worked with 10 Principal’s at St. John’s over my 25 year journey and they have played a large role in ensuring that St.John’s is widely recognised as an outstanding educational institution and l have learnt life long skills from each of these individuals. Can l also say that having had the pleasure of a phone conversation with Helen Symeonakis that St. John’s is today led by a truly inspiring Principal that will take the College to the next level and beyond. I salute you Helen and l am thrilled to read through the College newsletter about the number of innovations that have been and will continue to be implemented under your direction. You have a great team working around you and together l know that St.John’s will continue to gain wider recognition within the educational establishment. I will always keep fond memories in my heart of the priceless association that l have had with my fellow colleagues over the years and the fact that together we have touched the hearts of many students. I am so proud to have called the College home for 25 years and l know that St. John’s will be in my heart forever. But the time has come for me to move on. Once the dust settles l plan to travel overseas to Italy for an extended period and explore the country where my parents were born and come back to Australia hopefully a better man for the journey. I look forward to the day when l can catch up with you my fellow colleagues on an informal basis and bathe in the glory of your presence as l have done in the past. I hope that you remember me with happy memories. So it is with a tinge of sadness and a heavy heart that l wish you a fond farewell and l leave you by simply saying “arriverdeci” until next we meet. Thank you for a wonderful journey! God bless you one and all. Santo Costanzo

From St. John's

To my Dear Friend and Colleague Santo Costanzo, You were my teacher at St. John’s College since 1982 and a valued friend since 1990. You were a true gentleman and a real friend. You were the soul and spirit of the College and the entire St. John’s community. Your dedication, passion and commitment was evident to all those that had the pleasure of working with you and those that knew you. You touched many hearts, influenced many people, including colleagues, students and parents. Always diplomatic yet witty, funny and respectful. You were the master of sayings and the kindest most intelligent person that I have known. Students that attended St John’s College respected and trusted you. You were their teacher and their father. Students fondly referred to you as Mr C and often attempted to show their appreciation by providing you with many “Cherrie Ripes” your favourite chocolate bar. You used to comfort and reassure students in their time of need, by providing them a shoulder to cry on while showing them respect in the process. I remember when students said to you that they had no idea what career path to choose and you always said “That’s ok, that is perfectly normal let’s look at the options”. You always made them feel comfortable and valued. You were always very thorough as a teacher and you would always give students a fair hearing. You provided confidence in students and were a confidant and a mentor for many teachers. I feel truly blessed to have known you not only as a caring teacher and supportive work colleague but also as a trusted, reliable and loyal friend. I have had countless calls from former students dating back to 1982 from all over the world and all walks of life. You were their mentor and they will never forget their memories of you. Your dedication to St. John’s College was second to none – You were St. John’s! Goodbye my dear friend. Rest in Peace. John Fotias