Cobram Secondary College held a special assembly and games day on September 15 to honour and remember former teacher Jane Grenfell, who passed away from cancer this year.
Dubbed the “Grenfell Cup”, the day featured a memorial assembly with a day of games and special dress-ups, including a school dodgeball tournament that even teachers participated in.
By all accounts, Jane was a dedicated and optimistic teacher who touched many lives in the school community.
Principal Kimberley Tempest said she knew Jane “would’ve had a blast” on the day and her memory lives on with the event.
“She’d be seen running about and organising anything to do with any fun,” she said.
“We created this afternoon in honour of Jane and the fun and positive person she was to all of us.
“Jane was optimistic and positive. She was taken way too early.”
Jane Grenfell was Caitlyn Knight’s Year 7 maths teacher, but she said Jane also helped her build confidence at school.
“I was a shy student that didn’t have any confidence and wouldn’t say much in class ... she was an adult I would depend on and lean on for support,” she said.
“She helped me with warmth and kindness and made my transition to high school a lot easier. I will never forget you.”
CSC staff member and Jane’s colleague Michelle Anderson said she was more than a colleague.
“She was a mentor, a school mum ... Jane was a confidant to many and a friend to most. Jane didn’t let her life dim,” she said.
“She brightened the room by just being in it ... that’s why we named this day after her. Her final gift to us was fun and this is the memory we take with us.”
Jane’s husband Wayne, as well as her children Kirstie-Jane Arundel, Stephanie Arundel and Montana Grenfell also attended the memorial assembly and games.
“Teaching was her absolute passion. The kids were at the centre of every decision she made and everything she did here at school, and that was the same with us girls at home,” Stephanie said, adding that they appreciated the memorial event.
“These types of things not only acknowledge the wonderful person mum was in the contributions she made here at school, but it helps all the other children, staff, parents and the school community that are going through their battle with cancer.”
“(it’s) showing that grief isn’t something that we need to do in silence.”