On Monday afternoon at our special assembly, we had an opportunity as a school to farewell and thank Mrs Wendy Werner. The words from students and staff in the video and in person were an absolute testament to how much Mrs Werner is valued in our school community and how much she will be missed.
Nineteen years is a very significant time to be in one workplace and in that time Mrs Werner has seen so many changes. The school grow to a school of nearly 450 students and 50 staff, the administration staff increase significantly, the technology change, the WH and S increase and so many other things. One thing that didn’t change in this time however was Mrs Werner’s heart. It really is a heart of gold that can at times be hidden but we know it’s there.
The uniform repairs and washing clothes for students, the special birthday gifts for all of us especially those of our students who may not receive a gift, the offer to pay for a student’s meal or dress for the leavers dinner, the absolute refusal to give up on finding a way for our Grade 5’s to travel to Maria Island at reduced cost - this included calls to numerous politicians. These are just a few of the reasons we will all miss Mrs Werner.
On behalf of our school community, I would like to wish Mrs Werner a very happy long service leading into retirement and in the words, I always use when those who are special to us leave our beautiful school: “Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened”.
Memories of Mrs Werner from our Grade 6 students......
Dear Mrs Werner,
Over my past 7 and a half years at this school you have filled my heart with both love and compassion. You have put aside your job in the office to help injured or sick students including myself. We all thank you for the work you have done for us and the teachers. Thank you Mrs Werner.
Memory’s in
Grade 1: In grade 1 I hurt my knee badly and you bandaged it up.
Grade 2: I came up to the office due to me not feeling well and you were there to help.
Grade 3: I cut my arm on the rocks and you made it feel better.
Grade 4: I bruised my hand badly and you fixed it.
Sincerely,
Ashton Barr.
Dear Mrs Werner,
You have done amazing things for our school. You have looked after the kids that had vomited, had headaches, chicken pox and injuries. Every time I walk into the office you’re there smiling asking me “What do you need?” Or “Did you injure yourself or are you not feeling well?” Or “Do you need Mrs Brooks?”
We will all miss you, the amount of times you have helped me in sick bay is a lot and I’m definitely not always getting hurt.
You have done so much for our Holy Rosary Catholic School community you always will be in our family and we will never forget you. I’m sure I won’t. Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Bree De Cotter.
Dear Mrs Werner,
I want to say a huge thank you for all that you have done for me William, Cooper and Maddison.
It really means a lot to me and you have been a big part of my primary school life at Holy Rosary.
You will be missed a lot but you will be remembered for being a nice caring and passionate person. Everyone you talk to and help out will know how good of a person you are. When anyone walks into the office you're always there and if they are sick/injured you will stop everything and try to help them as much as you can. I can't count how many times I have came into the office whether it be I hurt myself or I am sick, you will always know what to do.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
From James Hutchinson.
Dear Mrs Werner,
You've been a massive help for all students including myself. I would like to thank you for using your time to care for me and every other student when we were unwell or injured. All staff and students will miss your bubbly, caring and joyful spirit around our community after 19 years at Holy Rosary . We hope you have a great time at home with your family and friends! I hope you have an amazing rest of the year.
Goodbye Mrs Werner.
We will miss you dearly…
Sincerely,
Mia Fenton