Staff Departures
Jo Young
Marg Ryan We farewelled a very special member of our Geelong College community, Marg Ryan, in Term 1. Marg worked in the Learning Support Team across Junior School and Middle School, as well as in After School Care and Early Learning. She was committed and passionate about each of her roles and was a terrific support to staff, students and teachers. During her 24 years’ service with the College, Marg left her footsteps on the hearts of many whom she worked with: staff, family members and especially students. Her caring and compassionate nature supported classroom teachers to ensure that the highest quality learning environments were created to ensure each student’s needs were met. Marg supported an inclusive learning environment. With more than 30 past and present members of our community attending Marg’s retirement morning tea, colleagues reflected on her kindness and dedication. We wish Marg well in her retirement as she spends more time with her children and 11 grandchildren. Sondra Wood
We farewelled Jo Young from the Senior School student administration office at the end of 2018. Jo began her career at The Geelong College on 15 January 2001, working for Margaret Lethbridge (Head of Senior School – Welfare) in the office with Roger Smith (Head of Senior School – Curriculum) and Florence Tan. Jo’s role involved looking after attendance/absentees and support for Heads of School, Heads of House and teaching staff. She organised and assisted with various student events, as well as Prefect selection; looking after sick students; completing meeting schedules; writing up countless meeting minutes with her superior shorthand skills; and preparing and editing references, bulletin pieces, students’ newsfeeds, orientation programs, and staff and senior school handbooks. She has been the uniform police, collecting and returning countless jewellery items, providing hair ties to girls and facial shaving products to boys, and the list goes on. She is kind, knowledgeable, capable and an incredible wordsmith. Her phone manner is impeccable, and she greets guests and families with warmth and care. We thank her for her commitment to the school and wish her the very best in retirement and all the wonderful opportunities this will bring. Kirsten Van Cleef
34 Ad Astra Issue No 136
