General News
10 December, 2024
College remembers long-serving teacher
Rainbow P-12 College is mourning the death of one of its longest-serving teachers.
“It was exceedingly sad news to hear that Heather Hutchins had passed away last week,” principal Colleen Petschel told the school community last Thursday.
“Heather was our PE and health teacher for over 26 years.”
Ms Hutchins started her teaching career in 1974 in Essendon and taught at Shepparton before arriving in the Wimmera in 1994.
She retired officially in July 2020, in the early stages of the COVID lockdowns, while classes were being conducted online.
“Heather not only taught PE and health, but was also our sports co-ordinator for an extended period of time, overseeing the running of our swimming, cross country and athletics events,” Ms Petschel said.
“She also taught humanities, dabbled in English and was part of the team that delivered trans-disciplinary investigations.
“Heather was our very organised reports co-ordinator and was always willing to put up her hand to help out.”
Ms Petschel described Ms Hutchins as “a dedicated, organised and conscientious educator who always had the students’ best interests at heart”.
“Heather had a cheeky sense of humour, a dry wit, and could find humour in often random situations," she said.
“She was a very supportive and engaging colleague who definitely left a mark on those who taught with her.”
Ms Petschel extended Rainbow P-12 College’s sympathy to Ms Hutchins’ husband John and children Nyree and Blair.