Yesterday’s Good Sort is a woman who’s retired after four decades as the office lady at Canterbury’s Hororata Primary School.
From typewriters to computers, Penny Oliver witnessed the evolution of the school while managing everything from student records to school emergencies.
Principal Marty Gameson said he couldn’t recall Oliver having a day off in his 25 years at the school.
“We’ve both kind of encouraged each other and supported each other through some major dramas.”
The school’s put on a special assembly, which included a special certificate of recognition for Oliver’s exceptional service.
“You’ve made this such an awesome place to teach and learn,” one colleague said.
Oliver said her work was always about the people, particularly the students.
“It’s not about the bricks and the mortar, it’s the people,” she said.
“The children are number one.”
