Diana Little

Celebrating 45 Years Of Dedication To Strathcona

Diana Little, a remarkable member of the Strathcona staff, is commemorating her 45th year of service this year, cementing her position as the longest-serving teacher in the 100-year history of Strathcona. Her profound association with the School dates back even further when as leader of a Christian Fellowship Group at a Victorian country High School she met Strathcona ISCF (Interschool Christian Fellowship) leader, Judith Morley in 1958. Judith, the daughter of the Strathcona Principal at the time, would later become a parent of Gillian Deeble, a close friend of Diana’s daughter, Tania. Gillian shared a friendship since sharing a classroom together at Strathcona starting from Year 5 in 1984.

Diana officially joined the Tay Creggan staff as a full-time teacher in 1979 and went on to serve as the Head of Tay Creggan from 1983 to 1991. Throughout her tenure, she has held various roles, including teaching Home Economics, Textiles, and Christian Education, as well as serving as Program Coordinator, Daily Organiser, Organiser of Exchanges, Tours, and Fairs, Community Relations Project Officer, and Alumnae Administrator.

For many years, Diana has been dedicated to coordinating communication and activities for the Feliciter Connection, a group for past staff members. Her deep connection with Strathcona extends to her family, as her daughters Sonia Rendigs (nee Little, Year 12 in 1985) and Tania Hume (nee Little, Year 12 in 1991), as well as her granddaughter Romy Rendigs (who attended Strathcona for 15 years from ELC to Year 12), and her grandchildren Cal and Holly Hume (ELC attendees), all experienced the transformative education offered at Strathcona. Sonia, in fact, served on the Strathcona Board for an impressive 12 years. Additionally, Diana’s daughter-in-law, Anita Little (nee Burman, Year 12 in 1991), is also an esteemed member of the Strathcona alumni. Both Anita and Tania have dedicated their careers to teaching and have spent time as members of the Strathcona staff.

During her time at Strathcona, Diana had the privilege of traveling with groups of Strathcona girls to remarkable destinations such as Kakadu, Korea, Japan, China, and New Zealand.

These experiences served as highlights of her tenure, as did her interactions with the incredible Strathcona host families who graciously welcomed exchange students from various schools across Australia and around the world. Diana, along with her host sisters and families, formed lasting friendships, particularly with the remarkable teachers and girls from Soshin Girls’ School in Yokohama, Japan.

Currently, Diana is fully engrossed in contributing to a special book that will be published to celebrate the Strathcona Centenary. She is meticulously recording details and plans for functions that will commemorate this significant milestone, ensuring the extraordinary legacy of Strathcona is properly celebrated.

As Diana Little’s impressive journey continues, we honour her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the Strathcona community over the past 45 years. Her profound impact on countless students, staff, and families will be cherished for generations to come.

MARION CAPE Director of Advancement