Jane Gribble – Former Staff Member

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Jane Gribble – Former Staff Member

LIFE-LONG CONNECTION

Jane Gribble, Past Staff Member (1981 – 2007)

From helping her mother at Mentone Grammar fundraisers as a young girl, to a 27-year career supporting students to reach their full potential, Jane Gribble has a deep and profound connection with the Mentone Grammar community – one that she naturally shared with her two sons.

Jane joined the Mentone Grammar Staff in 1981 as Assistant to the School Counsellor. In this role she astutely recognised that students would benefit from more formal support in planning their post-school pathways. Determined to provide a meaningful and high-quality service, Jane undertook studies in careers counselling and ultimately established the Mentone Grammar Careers Office. Her strategic acumen and dedication earnt her a place on the School Executive.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY CONNECTIONS WITH MENTONE GRAMMAR?
My mother was at one stage secretary of the Mothers’ Association, and I used to help as a child with the white elephant stall. My brother went to Mentone, all the way through Senior School, and my two sons came here also. My husband’s cousin, John Gribble, was actually the architect for the Senior School library and various other areas in the School.

HOW DID YOU BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH THE STUDENTS?
Initially, my office was down next to the Headmaster’s garage! I persuaded them to move me closer to the students so that I could interact with them more easily. I used to do community service like helping with the Drama program. I looked after the costume side, helping at rehearsals and so forth. Seeing the wonderful talent of the students that you don’t see on a daily basis, when suddenly you realise that they can sing beautifully, they can act, and they forget about all the other things around them – that was a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed it.

WHAT DOES MENTONE GRAMMAR MEAN TO YOU?
Mentone Grammar formed a really important part of my life, and my family’s too. From my parents being involved, my brother being here, and then my two sons. I’ve had a long involvement with the School. It’s something I look back on, and if somebody said to me, ‘Why would you have stayed for 27 years?’ I stayed because I loved my job. And I loved being here as part of the School. That would be my answer. I always enjoy coming back for reunions and speaking with so many of my former students.