Stalwart school staffer celebrated

SHELFORD Primary School’s long-serving business manager had a surprise waiting for her close to pick-up time on Wednesday last week.

Carolyn Wilson was met by nearly 40 people including students, staff, parents, community, and former teachers in one of the school’s classrooms, who gathered to congratulate her on four decades with the institution.

Ms Wilson wiped back tears while the school community gifted her an original artwork of the school created by local creative Rosslyn Bosnar, as well as a video full of personal addresses and a rendition of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.

She said she was stunned by the reception.

“It was unbelievable to see the old and new faces there,” she said.

“Forty years seems a long time but I just enjoy every minute especially with the children. I just love all the families and do as much as I can.”

Though Ms Wilson’s role with Shelford Primary in an official employee capacity started in 1984, her involvement began at the turn of the decade when her sons attended the school.

Living in the region at a farm with her husband Ross, who also undertook his early learning there in the 1950s, Ms Wilson said her role as business manager provided the ideal break from the family property. “Before this I worked in finance and then I had my three boys,” she said. “I’ve just generally been a part of the school since they started going. It’s just my life.

“The job’s evolved from manual bookkeeping to photocopying to computers. It’s a lot more involved now.

“I’ve seen several generations of the school go through and I just love it. I treat all the kids like my grandchildren.”

Ms Wilson was led to the front gate following the initial surprise, where the community unveiled a plaque in her honour inserted into the entrance bench.

From bringing home baked goods to students and staff to archiving to performing administrative tasks big and small, acting principal Ashley Kalkandis said Ms Wilson is the pillar of Shelford Primary.

“She just gives back so much time,” she said.

“She’s only here one day a week but she’s often down here volunteering, helping with fundraisers, bringing in lots of puzzles, slices, and things to boost staff and student wellbeing.

“She’s such a vital part of the school and the school’s history.”