‘She was here before they poured the slab’. Who, you might ask? Kay Connolly, that’s who. After over 26 years of service to Mueller College, Kay has decided it’s time to ‘turn off the library computer’ and begin the next stage of life – spending more time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Kay has devoted many years of service to Mueller College. Firstly as a volunteer and then as an employee working in the library. Over the years Kay has dedicated herself to serving children, staff and parents. Her service has been legendary from a range of the usual library tasks to dressing up for bookweek, cooking for the fete and sewing for school musicals. She will be very much missed by the library team and not just because of her work but because Kay has been an integral part of the ‘library family’. As her library family we can say, “Time to put up your feet and read those books, Kay. You’ve earnt it.
Sandy Andersen
We asked Kay to share some of her highlights from her years at Mueller below. We do wish her all the best for the future!
How many years have you been at Mueller?
Been here 26 years and loved every minute of it. (except the cleaning of all the textbooks)
What has kept you here for so long?
I can’t believe that it has been that long. My children did all their schooling here and when they left, all the other children took their place. A lot of fond memories spending time at lunch playing games and chatting to the kids. Never are there 2 days the same in the library. Gearing up for Book week, to doing craft on a Monday, covering books (oh the covering, which I will miss the most). Some may think that all Librarians do is read books but there is so much more. A big plus is that I live across the road from the school and come to church here so I think I will feel that I will never have left.
Tell us one of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the school from when you started to now.
From being here when the foundations were poured to now, I can see God’s hand in all things. I am so blessed to have seen and been amazed by how the school has grown and changed. From humble beginnings to now having MPAC, Arts Cube, Music Rooms, Lacey Centre and the list goes on.
Any highlights from over the years?
To be able to help children develop a love of reading and to see past students coming back and enrol their own children in school at Mueller. It has also been a highlight to see some past students come back to work in the Mueller Community.
What are you looking forward to doing in retirement?
Spending more time with my children and grandchildren. Having time for my hobbies – sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening and of course, bike riding. Travelling once my husband finished building our aeroplane so we can fly around Australia.
