With the support of people like Clive Austin, and with mentors like the Reverend Ted Gale, whose students were already producing outstanding works of art at the Senior School, Colleen rose to the occasion and eventually found her rhythm in the school while she gained the respect of those with whom she worked. Before the school expanded, Colleen taught Physical Education, Mathematics, as well as Art. But it was with the art curriculum that she was able to make her particular mark. As she fondly recalls, “I was given total freedom by the administration to develop my own curricula based on drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, while very often incorporating art history. This empowerment kept me fresh, young at heart, and involved in art, which was reflected in the many changes made to the courses each school year.” A defining moment in Colleen’s career occurred on a Monday in March of 1980 when St. George’s undertook the famous “Big Move”. A group of volunteer Senior School students literally marched desks and assorted classroom supplies to their new home at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, which was to become the new home for the Junior School and Colleen’s art program. According to Colleen, the original plan was to house her classroom in the basement of the Nun’s Quarters, which is now part of the home that is currently occupied by Greg Devenish and his family. But John Blackmore didn’t think the natural lighting was good enough and so, at the final hour, it was decided that Junior School Art would reside in one of the brightest classroom in the new school. During this early period in the new building, Colleen spent two years as Director of Studies for the Junior School while maintaining a homeroom and a full teaching load. As the school expanded, another art specialist was added. Colleen recounts that, “Over the years, as the arts began to take on a higher profile, I got to work with a number of wonderful art teachers, including Barbara Elworthy, Claire Dimitric, Mark Sauer, Tina Mears, and Justine Cheung.” She also recalls the many long, but satisfying hours she spent working on the design and production of sets for the school musicals under the directorship of first Clive Austin, and then George Ryan—a time during which, in true Shakespearean fashion, boys played all the parts, For Colleen, Saints has played a huge role in her life. “Even after I married, had children, and my family grew, I enjoyed watching my colleagues do the same. We became like a family,” she says. And with so many years under her belt,
Colleen now enjoys watching the growth of sons of her former students – boys like Rhys French (Ryan ’84), George Tsakumis (Alex ’84), and Thomas Kirkwood (Nigel ’83). In 2004, Colleen was recognized for her years of service to the school with The Robinson Distinguished Service Award, an award which honours men and women employed by St. George’s School who have demonstrated in their careers the qualities of idealism, service, scholarship, and spirit that former Junior School Head, Basil O. Robinson stood for in his time. “Saints has provided me with great joy. I have been surrounded by happy children, supportive parents, and wonderful colleagues. I have also witnessed the power of the creative process and how infectious it can be,” says Colleen, as she reflects back on her 35 years with the school. And what are her plans for early retirement? Well, for starters, there’s her yoga, workouts, skiing, painting, and travel. But it’s also an opportunity to spend pleasurable time with friends, and family, including children, Bronwen (23) and Tristan (20), as well as partner, Michael Ritch ’71. We know that Colleen will be passionate about whatever she undertakes during her retirement years. Principal Greg Devenish echoes these same sentiments when he reflects on Colleen’s time at the school: “Whenever I think of Colleen, I think of the word passion”. Colleen has a real passion for art. She introduced the world’s great art masters to the students and celebrated each boy’s artwork with equal passion by displaying it throughout the school and at other venues. The Saints community wishes Colleen much health and happiness. You will be missed, Colleen.
www.stgeorges.bc.ca
A position for a Junior School Art Teacher had been posted and Colleen had thrown her hat into ring. The Junior School Principal at the time, John Blackmore, was reticent to consider her application, because it was customary in those days to hire only male teachers, except at the primary levels. But Colleen impressed Blackmore with her enthusiasm and passion and ultimately convinced him to roll the dice. It was a decision he would not regret.
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