Tyndale Christian School principal Bruce Hicks gets a one-of-a-kind farewell
He thought he was going out to an ordinary lunch. He was mistaken.
This story was originally published behind Murray Bridge Newsâ paywall. Paywalled stories are unlocked four weeks after publication. Canât wait that long? Subscribe here.
A Murray Bridge principal has been treated to a one-of-a-kind farewell after a transformational eight years at his school.
Tyndale Christian Schoolâs Bruce Hicks had no idea what was in store last Thursday, when he was led out onto the school oval.
A phalanx of Harley-Davidsons thundered up, driven by the schoolâs usual bus drivers and a ring-in from the teaching staff, and he was taken away for what he guessed would be a special lunch.
Instead he was taken to the Pallamana airfield, where he was put into a plane and flown back over the school.
Tyndaleâs students stood out on the grass in the shape of a huge blue love-heart, waving and yelling, as he flew past.
After he landed, Mr Hicks said he would treasure the experience for as long as he remained on Earth.
âWhen I first came here, (a staff member) said to me âBruce, when they told me you were coming to this school, it was about the love youâll bringâ,â he recalled.
âSeeing that (heart) was the completion of that.
âI was in trepidation of coming out here to do the job, but ... I went âright, what Iâm going to do is love this place to deathâ.
âIt has been all about relationships ⌠and just lovely.â
Mr Hicksâ last chapter at Tyndale began drawing to a close back in August, when he was farewelled by many of Murray Bridgeâs church leaders.
He will finish up in a few weeksâ time.
He hoped to find a role as a counsellor next, drawing on his years of experience with young people.
