By DANIELLE GALVIN
OVER 36 years at the Resurrection School in Keysborough, Kathy Young has worked with four principals and seen countless students graduate and grow up.
At a celebratory send-off last week, Kathy joined her husband Brian and their children Emma, Matthew and Ben along with their families in what was an emotional goodbye and a reunion of sorts.
Long-time friend and ally Mandy McLean spoke warmly of her office companion’s time at the school and wonderful ability to recount events and stories from years gone by.
“Following on from her father’s footsteps as a bookkeeper, she used her skills to create the school’s first ledger book for fees,” Mandy said.
“Kathy also spent many years volunteering on excursions and special event days.
“When Tony Breen started as principal in 1987, Kathy was finally put on the payroll for the duties she had already been doing for many years. In addition, Kathy was also employed in the library as an assistant for several years.”
During her time at the school, Kathy has witnessed changes to the education system as well as new computer programs and different ways of thinking.
“Her passion for this place has been extraordinary and her detailed memory for events that have occurred over the years is amazing,” Mandy said.
“If we wanted to recall an event and Kathy couldn’t remember it – it probably wasn’t worth remembering.
“She is a great storyteller and fondly retells stories of different staff members and the antics of what they used get up to.”
Speaking to former staff and students at the morning tea, Kathy had thankyous to do before she officially retired.
“I have been at Resurrection School formerly known as KPR for more than half my life and as the song goes I have had the time of my life,” she said.
“Thankyou for the wonderful presents I have received but you have given me one of the most precious gifts of all and that is the gift of friendship and for that I thank you and will miss you all.”
