WHEN students returned to St Kevin’s School, Geebung, one of the longest serving teachers was not there to greet them.
Diana Wilson has spent her whole life in the classroom, firstly as a student at St Rita’s College, Clayfield, then university, before working as a teacher for the more than 40 years, 33 of them at St Kevin’s.
Ms Wilson said she had loved every moment of her 40 years as a classroom teacher.
“I love school,” she said.
“I’ve never really left school.
“I’ve been in school all my life.”
St Kevin’s held a special “Wilson Wednesday” in the last week of school to celebrate Ms Wilson contribution to the school and to say goodbye to a “dear friend”
Students enjoyed a day of celebrations that revolved around aspects of school life Ms Wilson had particularly supported and encouraged, including sport, ball games and crafts.
Ms Wilson said she believed schools should be places of enjoyment as well as places of learning.
“School is a fun place because there is always something happening, something going on,” she said.
She said she had always wanted to become a teacher.
“To see the children grow over a year is a marvellous thing to witness,” she said.
“I loved the interaction with the children, being with them and learning so much myself from them.
“My memories have all been happy ones, particularly at St Kevin’s.
“It’s as our school song says: “It’s one big happy family”.
“It is one big family here and the parents have been marvellous and the children.”
She said the one thing she would miss as she took up retirement was the contact with staff and students.
“I won’t miss homework books and marking work and playground duties, but I’ll miss the interaction with the staff.
“However, I know where St Kevin’s is so I’ll be back, I will return.”
Ms Wilson said she had made some lifelong friendships in her time at the school and worked under many principals who although bringing different styles of leadership to the school, they were always fun to work with.
“They are friendships that will continue for many years to come,” she said.
