Community
10 April, 2025
Farewell to Jane
ST Colman’s Primary School offered a touching tribute to financial administrator Jane Lee on her final day before stepping in to retirement after 22 years.
As Western District Newspapers reported last month, Mrs Lee was calling time at the end of Term One with the school hosting an open luncheon last Friday to say goodbye.
As part of the day the students offered Mrs Lee a parting gift with a surprise video.
In the video students had dressed up as Mrs Lee and acted out some of the idiosyncrasies which have made her such a beloved school figure, from her sharp-witted quips to her dedicated routines.
In addition, she was presented the coffee mug and glass she used each day for her morning cup of water to say farewell.
Speaking before the student cohort, parents and staff – both past and present – school principal Janet Cain said Mrs Lee had been instrumental in the success of the school.
“Her dedication, expertise and kindness has made her a beloved figure in our community,” she said.
“Seeing Jane sitting behind the front desk is as familiar an image to us as the lump of olivine at the front door.
“She’s a constant and reassuring presence, embodying the welcoming and caring values that define our school community.”
Mrs Cain said she had turned to Google to search for the most important aspects of being a financial administrator, with attention to detail, excellence in time management and the ability to work under pressure being the results.
She then noted how Mrs Lee exemplified these characteristics each day.
“I can confidently say Jane ticks all these boxes and then some,” Mrs Cain said.
“What Google failed to mention is the extraordinary emotional support Jane has provided to all four principals she has worked alongside – John O’Sullivan, Mick Saunders, Tim Bourke and Stacey Atkins will undoubtedly agree.
“Jane has been an emotional sounding board, a wise mentor and a steadfast champion for each of them.
“She’s carried an incredible burden to ease the load of leadership, while remaining passionate about promoting Catholic education in our community.
“Her passion for Catholic education has been invaluable during challenging times – working tirelessly alongside other principals during periods of low enrolment to promote and grow the school’s profile.”
Mrs Cain said Mrs Lee had been a driving force behind the vision to grow the school from around 20 students to a thriving small school with enrolment in the mid-50s.
“Our community also owes Jane immense gratitude to her fundraising efforts over many years,” she said.
“Without her hard work, our annual major raffle fundraiser would not have achieved its consistent success.
“Personally, as an inexperienced principal, I relied on Jane as a safe space where I could share challenges, brainstorm ideas and navigate the complexities of school leadership.
“Her wisdom and practicality guided me with excellent advice, not only regarding school operations but offering valuable insight in to local perspectives while shielding me from distractions, offering words of encouragement and being a calming presence during stressful times.”
Speaking before the crowd, Mrs Lee said she was sad to be saying goodbye, but was excited for her third act knowing the time was right.
“I am sad, but very excited to be going in to retirement with Lachie (husband),” she said.
“Occasionally I’ve had a dream that I’ve left, and I’d wake up in a cold sweat wondering why I would do that.
“But I don’t think I’ll be waking up in a cold sweat tomorrow.
“Thank you to all the staff I’ve worked with – I’ve worked with so many people and they’ve all been fantastic.
“Thank you to the parents – I’ve seen a lot of them come and go, and every now and again they come back as grandparents.
“I’ve seen hundreds of kids come and go, and they’ve been fantastic – they’ve got the best manners, they’re the loveliest and most engaged children, and they’re so lucky to get to come to St Colman’s Primary School – it really is the best.”
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