Tenison Woods College last year farewelled their longest serving staff member.

Library Technician Tory Brett retired at the end of 2021 after five decades as an employee at the college.

Ms Brett’s involvement with the college began well before she was employed in 1972.

She attended secondary school at Mater Christi College for girls (predecessor of Tenison Woods College) from Year 8 to Year 11.

Matriculation was not yet available at Mater Christi, so in 1971 Ms Brett went on to complete her final year at Mount Gambier High School.

In 1972, Mater Christi College and Marist Brothers Agricultural College for boys combined as a senior school to form Tenison College at the Shepherdson Road site.

At the age of 17, Ms Brett was offered a position at the school as a librarian and was one of just 15 staff members at the college, marking the first year where the school had a purpose‐built library as part of the new development of Tenison College.

Ms Brett had younger siblings attend the school during her time on staff.

Her sister Micki Greenham (now also a staff member at the college) recalls the delight in having a family member working at the school.

“It was pretty cool to have Tory as the only librarian back in 1972,” Ms Greenham said.

“Most of the other staff were either nuns or brothers, she was young and trendy and had a car, so sometimes we could catch a ride to school rather than having to take the bus.”

At the beginning of her tenure, Ms Brett attended a three‐week training course in Adelaide, along with around 50 other people across the state to learn library skills.

This was one of only a few training programs on offer for school librarians at that time.

In 1974, she went on leave to be married and start a family.

During this time of her life, Ms Brett maintained her connection with the college and spent time studying to be a Library Technician.

Her mother Pam O’Connor took on the librarian position and her siblings continued to attended the school.

It was not until 1987 that Ms Brett returned to the college when a Librarian Assistant position became available.

She worked in this role under her mother as Head Librarian until the end of 1987.

In 1988 Ms Brett took over as librarian and continued in this role at the college until 2021.

Ms Greenham said she felt honoured to have been able to work alongside her sister for many years.

“The familial bond can be intuitive, so as an English and History teacher it has always been brilliant to have Tory and my mum (Pam) as go‐to people for the resources I needed for my job,” she said.

“It was a privilege to work with both of them over the years.”

Ms Brett’s role at the college often went on beyond that of librarian.

Her historical knowledge of the school’s story has enabled staff and students to appreciate and understand the deep history of not only the school, but Catholic education in the South East region.

Ms Brett inherited the school archives which were originally setup by her mother who was also a local historian.

Over the years Ms Brett took on the responsibility of the archives.

“My mother was the local historian in Mount Gambier and wrote many stories about the area,” Ms Brett said.

“She had books published and was well known as a historian in the South East.

“I suppose I have inherited some of this passion and knowledge through her.”

The library team has continued to manage the archives.

In recent years, Ms Brett has spent time digitising year books from Marist Brother’s

College, Mater Christi College and Tenison College, so they can become available in an online capacity, to be searched and viewed by members of the college and the wider community.

Tenison Woods College Principal David Mezinec praised Ms Brett for her dedication and passion over her five decades of work.

“Tory has been our resident historian and astute investigator in relation to the college story, while at the same time making history herself as our longest serving staff member,” he said.

“Her commitment to the college and its people has left a lasting impression on how we appreciate the shoulders on which we stand as a Catholic college community and the legacy we leave to future generations.”

Ms Brett fondly reflected on her career and life at the college as being fulfilling, particularly when working with younger students.

“I found my connections with primary school and early learning students,” she said.

“Their spontaneity and directness were some of the most rewarding and fun moments for me.

“I have been blessed with a wonderful career, but I cannot wait to retire and watch the cricket!

“I have always been encouraged and inspired by the words of Catherine McAuley, ‘We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us’.”

Ms Brett said she had witnessed the constant development of the college over the years and attributed community spirit as the driving force for this growth.

“A highlight during my career was seeing the building of the multipurpose hall in 1986/87 (known today as the Barrie Holmes Stadium),” she said.

“There was a community spirit which was felt all around the college.

“In a time of economic difficulty at the school, the community saw a need and worked tirelessly to ensure students had the facilities they required.

“It was a time of coming together and it was amazing to be involved.”

The college farewelled Tory and celebrated her outstanding career by honouring her with a well‐deserved standing ovation at the conclusion of her moving farewell speech.

Tory looks forward to her retirement, with a change of pace and spending time with family.