Judy Beazley – Former Staff Member

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Judy Beazley – Former Staff Member

FOREVER GRATEFUL

Judy Beazley, Past Staff Member (1995 – 2007)

What stands out most about past staff member, Judy Beazley, is just how far above and beyond her job description she would go to support the students, her colleagues, and the Mentone Grammar community – and she still does.

Judy served at Mentone Grammar for over twelve years, commencing in 1995 as Secretary to Headmaster Neville Clark. Her commitment to the community, passion for the arts and her infinite energy led her to become an integral part of the School’s theatre productions and House activities. As a testament to her contributions, Judy was ultimately appointed Community Relations Manager.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TIME AT MENTONE GRAMMAR?

It was a wonderful time. It was 12 and a half years of my life that I absolutely… I can’t even say how I feel about it. It was just wonderful. That is why I still love coming back and volunteering with The Mentonians Association, because it was a very special time.

MUCH OF YOUR SERVICE WAS AS SECRETARY TO HEADMASTER NEVILLE CLARK. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

I had a wonderful time doing that. He taught me so much. He was a wonderful man and I’m forever grateful. I remember the first day I walked in and, there he was, with a big bunch of flowers for me. He wanted me to go and mix with everybody in the tearoom and not be isolated in my office. He always encouraged me to do that. And he gave me a lot of… a lot in life that I really appreciate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES?

A funny experience that I had… I used to type the order of service for the Carols at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and it was when we had the new computers that corrected spelling. The carol, Away in a Manger, was changed to ‘Away in a Manager’ all throughout the hymn. Some of the staff never let me forget that!

YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

I was a frustrated actor, I think. Particularly, Jane Gribble and I worked together on a lot of the productions – and had a lot of fun doing it. We’d come every weekend to rehearsals, and we’d be there making afternoon tea for the students. Emma Heiner, who was also a teacher at the School, and I actually wrote ourselves into some of the plays. The producers said, “What are those two up there for?” And someone else said, “Leave them alone. They’re enjoying it.” I worked in Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar and so many more. The whole time I was there I was always very involved in that sort of thing.

WHY WAS THE COMMUNITY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I absolutely loved it. In Frogmore House, I had lots of parents coming in and the students would visit as well. If I ever went into a classroom, as soon as I walked in, all the boys would stand up, which was quite funny. They were so respectful. I was also in Lionel Large House so I took part in all the activities, and then being the Community Relations Manager, I went to all the House Dinners. I had a lot of fun with them.

It’s a fantastic school. I love it. That’s why I continued to work here as a volunteer.