By JESSE GRAHAM
AN ICONIC teacher at Healesville High School, who worked with six principals, has finished up after 24 years on the job.
Lyn Baker was farewelled from the school on Tuesday 3 December in an event which involved around 40 past and present members of staff at the school’s cafeteria.
Ms Baker, who had served the school since 1989, was remembered by former students, who wrote in recollections and well-wishes on display at the event, while photos from the teacher’s stint at the school played on a large screen.
Teary-eyed, Ms Baker said that she was sad leaving, but was looking forward to spending more time with her family through her retirement.
“I didn’t think it was ever going to end – I thought I would always be here,” she said.
“But there’s a time for everything, and it’s time for me to be a mum and a grandma.”
Ms Baker said that she had wanted to be a teacher ever since she was in prep, inspired by her own teacher, but decided to take on secondary teaching by the time she had finished school.
Before attending university, she had completed an extra year of schooling, taking on a subject unfamiliar to her – home economics.
She later became the home economics teacher at Healesville High School, instructing multiple generations of students.
Ms Baker said that some of her fondest memories at the school were simply finding out that her students had gained entry to the courses they want – along with a school trip to France in 2011.
Principal George Perini, colleague Gayle Shelley and friend Alan Honeycombe all spoke for Ms Baker’s farewell, reminiscing on times past and wishing her the best for the future.
“She’s affected the lives of a lot of young people – it’s a wonderful thing teachers can do and she’s remembered fondly by a lot of her students,” Mr Perini said.
Ms Baker completed a total of 42 years with the Victorian Education Department, helping with Top Design and VCE exams.
For more photos from Ms Baker’s farewell, visit www.mail.starcommunity.com.au.
