Jill Parker has concluded 28 years assisting teachers and students at Trinity Catholic Primary School.
Family, friends and colleagues came together on Saturday night to acknowledge the well-earned retirement of Trinity Primary School stalwart, Jill Parker. Eighty people spent the evening, and much of the next morning, reminiscing and celebrating a career spent in the service of others.
The 1st of November, 1988 saw Jill asked by the principal of the day, Peter Connelly to come and work with children at the secondary school. Jill had long been involved in the school, serving on the P&C, and engaging as many parents do in their children’s education, but this was a whole new challenge. “I didn’t know if I could do it,” Jill says of the request. Her self-doubt would prove unnecessary as she came to thrive in the position; a position that would gradually evolve with the times. Eventually, Jill would split her days between the primary and secondary campuses of the school, working with dozens of children each day. Her contribution to the school soon became invaluable as she took upon more and more responsibilities. Soon the school banners, the kindergarten library bags, ANZAC wreaths, Shrove Tuesday pancakes, sports carnivals, sacramental program and the rose garden all bore signs of Jill’s extensive contribution.
A career of 28 years brought with it many unique experiences, and Jill said she always enjoyed what she did, although she wasn’t a fan of change. Her role gradually transitioned from ‘Teacher’s Aid’, to ‘Learning Support Assistant,’ but Jill always remained one of the school’s greatest assets, and will do so for some time into the future. Teaching has changed dramatically during her time, Jill says, becoming much less regimented, and allowing more flexibility for students and their education.
Another change has been the need for paper certifications, something Jill never acquired and many will agree, never had the need for. Hundreds of students have passed through under the watchful eye of Mrs Parker, and will continue to thank her for her invaluable contribution to their lives. The many people who gathered at the Old School House in Murrumburrah brought with them dozens of stories of Jill’s fabulous personality.
“Jill was always one of the last to leave staff parties,” long-time colleague, Julie Doolan said, continuing on “She always went above and beyond what was necessary.” Messages of support and thanks were left in a guestbook that circulated the party, while a scrapbook outlining decades of exhaustive work and selflessness was gifted to Jill, as was a marble and wrought-iron outdoor setting. “It was such a good party; I couldn’t believe the people there,” she said. Although Jill’s official role at the school may be over, she’ll continue to ‘potter around.’ The Kindergarten library bags were finished just last week and the Year 6 Graduation banner lies on her dining table nearing completion. The rose garden will benefit from her experienced green thumb for many more years. Jill extends her thanks to Penny and Charlie Lucas, Julie Doolan and family, and the countless people who contributed to the night. She would also like to lay to rest any rumours that suggest police intervention was necessary in shutting down their gathering. The night came to a peaceful conclusion, albeit at 5am the next morning.
