Sad news from Strathewen Primary School
Many members will be saddened by recent news from our friends at Strathewen Primary School.
School Principal Jane Hayward's husband Paul, was in a tragic accident on Monday 12 May and sadly passed away at 66 years of age.
Jane and Paul had been looking forward to returning to Vietnam during the upcoming school holidays. They were also planning another trip to Bali in October to check in with the many youngsters they have sponsored over the years through the Bali Orphan Day Centre.
Established to nurture children who have suffered the loss of one or both parents, this educational day training centre aims to ensure each child receives a full education to the completion of Year 12 or to whatever level they are capable of reaching. Some of Jane and Paul's kids have gone on to complete university.
The club's relationship with the Strathewen Primary School community goes back to 2009 following the Black Saturday wildfires.
Former member Gail Chrisfield, and her partner Karen Bingham, approached the club for assistance with a day at the beach for this small community, which had suffered extensive damage and loss.
In the ensuing years, the day became an annual tradition for both the school and the club, the last one was held in 2022.
Those who met Jane during the school's annual day trips or her visits to speak at a club meeting, you will recall her positive, vivacious manner, her passion for teaching and her dedication to her students.
Paul often popped up in any conversation about her life outside work.
Her loss is unimaginable.
Supplied by Gail Chrisfield
