Time skips by for longserving teacher Gene Manser, with
By Paul Dunlop
SHE’S a legend of the classroom and it’s no wonder that Gene Manser often finds the children she teaches look familiar.
She also taught many of their parents.
The muchloved Mrs Manser is an institution at St John the Baptist Primary School in Kooweerup.
She retires next week after 28 years.
It’s the end of an era and one that is sure to prompt mixed feelings for Mrs Manser when the bell goes to sound the end of school term next Friday, 16 June.
“I’m not sure whether I’ll reach for a glass of champagne or feel a bit teary,” she said.
“It has been a very big part of my life.”
Mrs Manser began teaching at Kooweerup in 1978 after earlier postings at schools in northeast Victoria.
She and husband Cec, a similarly longserving and lauded teacher at Kooweerup Primary School who retired this time last year, have formed one of local education’s exemplary and enduring combinations.
St John’s principal Simon Dell’Oro said Mrs Manser would be greatly missed by her colleagues and the many students she inspired over the years.
“She’s been a marvel, a real backbone of the school,” Mr Dell’Oro said.
“She has definitely earned a spot in the proud history of St John’s.”
Mrs Manser said when she and Cec arrived in Kooweerup all those years ago, they decided it was the perfect place to stay and raise their children.
“We said we would make it our home and we did,” she said.
“It’s been great. Despite all the growth around the area, Kooweerup is still a little community. It’s like family.”
Mrs Manser has taught every grade during her time at St John’s.
She has lost count of the number of children she’s taught over the years, but has remained in touch with many and follows the lives of all her exstudents with interest.
“It’s nice to hear what they’re up to, that so and so is doing really well or having careers or families of their own.”
The Mansers, who moved to Pakenham a few years ago, are looking forward to using their extra time to travel around Australia and see more of their grandchildren.
“It will be different, but it is exciting, too,” Mrs Manser said.
“It is a new chapter now. One door closes, another door opens.”
>>> Gene Manser will be farewelled at an assembly and morning tea at St John the Baptist Primary School, Kooweerup, at 10 am on Friday, 16 June. Anybody who has been associated with the school during Gene’s time is welcome to attend. Phone 5997 1653 for more details.
