High school can be a challenging, transitional time for many students – but the teachers and people who guide you along the way can make all the difference, bettering your life in the long run.
For the past 33 years, that’s exactly what Len and Loretta Cooke have done.
Both Len, a long-time teacher and his wife Loretta, who worked in the front office, poured their hearts and souls into the school over the years.
A beloved part of the St Francis Xavier College community, the pair shared many incredible experiences with students and colleagues throughout their careers – but at the end of 2021, they decided it was time to turn the page and explore the next chapter of their lives.
“We were very fortunate that when we started, you could have that closer connection to students, so we went to their 21st’s and things – we just loved having that connection with the kids,” Loretta said.
“It’s a good place (to work) and we were always so supported by the staff and students – it was a privilege.“
Len, who was always known for his sense of humour and beaming smile, agreed.
“I was a bit of a late bloomer as I didn’t become qualified (as a teacher) until I was 35,“ Len explained, but he said from the moment they began working at the college in 1988, he and Loretta were both “welcomed“ with open arms.
In his 33 years of teaching, Len wore many hats including as a Head of House, Religious Education Coordinator, Youth Ministry coordinator, IT and RE teacher, and perhaps most notably, he helped set up the first computer lab of the school, back in the late 80s.
As well as his love for locomotives, Len was always one who would put his hand up for extra curricular activities and over the years, went on many a school trip and helped put on school productions too.
St Francis Xavier College principal Vincent Feeney said both Len and Loretta would be sorely missed by the entire school community.
“Loretta and Len Cooke’s connection and commitment to St Francis Xavier College was both deep and personal,“ Vincent said.
“So personal that their daughter, College Vice Captain in her Year 12, attended here and they spent a sizeable portion of their working lives in service to this community.
“Everyday (Loretta) wore a welcoming smile as the first face people saw when they came to reception and made sure they felt welcomed.
“(Len) was generous with his support of student extra curricula activities such as school trips (Italy, the Western Front, Central Australia and World Youth Day) and retreats where his story tells skills would come to the fore.
“He was always a champion for the students, for they were at the heart of his sense of vocation and why so many will have a Mr Cooke story to tell their children.
The couple said they were looking forward to putting their feet up and “relaxing and enjoying life“ in retirement.
