NEWS & EVENTS A perfect ending
Christ’s College lost its cheerful and very obliging pay roll administrator at the end of Term 3, Finance Manager Alfred Perfect choosing that moment to retire after two decades serving College.
“It’s been a lovely place to work. There have been a lot of characters. It’s one of few places that you can say is nearly 170 years old, and that has changed and evolved to remain relevant. It’s done so by offering a syllabus which changes to meet the times.” When he arrived his first jobs involved compiling a Health and Safety manual, establishing the uniform shop and settling on the Canterbury brand as supplier, and revamping the tuck shop menu. “The tuck shop was previously in the gym. We did a survey of local schools and found one had a very healthy menu. We spent a lot of money getting it right, and put in a new kitchen in the process.” The earthquakes of 2010–2011 are an abiding memory, boys being
sent home, administration staff being escorted into the red zone to collect computers and working from home for over a month, meeting colleagues weekly in Flower’s House, the only building with power – thanks to a portable generator. “We kept paying all the staff, the cash flow didn’t suffer, and the school kept on delivering the curriculum.” His retirement will begin with a cruise to Brisbane, Noumea and the New Hebrides, followed by time in Melbourne with family. Next year he and his wife plan to escape winter by spending three months in Europe. Connor Phipps has replaced Alfred at College as our now Management Accountant.
Starting as Administration Manager in 1998, the Chartered Accountant was officially farewelled in September at a dinner hosted by Director of Finance and Operations Steve Kelsen, but a few months earlier had been surprised by a special luncheon marking his 20th anniversary at College.
Retirement beckons for Maureen and Bev
Maureen Pahi and Bev O’Neill, College’s long standing cleaning duo, bowed out together at the end of Term 3, after working together for 33 years. Maureen started working at College 43 years ago; Bev joined her in a job-sharing role 10 years later. Their firm friendship will continue as they embark on retirement.
College Issue 35 2018
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