Speak Out December 2019 V2 DIGITAL EDITION

From the President

Christmas! It’s here! As I become older (I’m sure I’m ageing almost imperceptibly), I’m amazed at how fast time is whizzing by. How did that entire decade race by so quickly? Well, I guess it occurs especially when we’re incredibly busy. There are so many "small moments" zapping by all the time, and they go faster and faster as we get older. And when it finally becomes quiet again, sometimes we go back and relive these moments in our minds. So, please indulge me in sharing a "small moment" with you. On November 1, was the Book of the Year awards. If you’re ever near the ceremony, you absolutely should come along, because actually it is like Christmas: everyone there is happy, everyone is celebrating, there’s a strong cup of tea on standby for afterwards, and it’s really invigorating to be part of the pride that each of the winning authors and illustrators are feeling, and just how valuable quality Australian literature is, and how we share it with children. So, I’m standing at the front row, chatting with some of the authors, and making new friends. Sitting just behind me are something like 100 of the coolest children from Richmond West Primary. And let me tell you, they are briefed: every time someone walks on the stage, even if it’s just to adjust a microphone or set the awards on display, these students immediately descend into an awed silence, without so much as one teacher hissing out a "ssh". I was never like that in school. And this is just adding to the sense of excitement for the ceremony. Suddenly, two of these students appear before us. I smile and step back a little, expecting that they’re about to ask Harrison for his autograph. But no, they’re here to chat with me. They are in grade 1, and they appear a little timid, but clearly they know that they bear an important message. They are on official business. “Excuse me, Mr Kittel,” says one of them, and I try not to chuckle at being called Mister. “my name is Drew and this is Rachel. We want to thank you for the 70 books that you donated to our school library.”As Drew says this, Rachel grins and nods, and I suddenly realise that they are completely genuine. A teacher has asked them to come forward, but they aren’t reciting a script. They love books, and they understand exactly why speech pathologists think stories are important. So, I thank them for coming, and ask them if they thought their library had enough room for 70 more exciting Australian books. (It turns out, Rachel assures me, there’s plenty of space, so phew, no need to worry). As these students talked about their favourite stories with us, in the back of my mind, I was thinking how fantastic it is to be the person who hears this conversation. So, I made a promise to Drew and Rachel that I would pass on their excited thank you to all of those who made it happen. Thank you to the National Office staff who coordinated the event. Thank you to the SPA members who volunteered their time to shortlist and then judge the award winners. And thank you to all of you, who by being members, enable the Association to do the best by the profession, its clients, and their families. These little moments pass by all the time, without us always being aware of them. With the stress of the commute, the pressure of so many emails and competing priorities, I have to admit that maybe it’s time to sit back and reflect on how much important stuff we achieve, sometimes without really realising it. Have a happy and safe Christmas. See you in the next decade.

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

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December 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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