The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
As secretary at Many Faces Education Centre, Yvonne Fawcett's job description doesn't technically include the term "mother figure." But you wouldn't know it from talking to the dozens upon dozens of staff and students who have sought her counsel on matters both big and small over the years. "I've dished out a lot of motherly advice to the students," says Yvonne. "Lots of times they'll come to me for advice, and I've got staff who come to me for advice as well." They will soon have to find another shoulder to lean on. The popular secretary is retiring on Friday after 23 years of service with the Flin Flon School Division. "I still love coming to work, but it's just time that I take my retirement," she says. Yvonne began her secretarial career in Winnipeg nearly 40 years ago and continued to apply her skills with the Flin Flon Trades Association after moving back to her hometown of Flin Flon in the 1960s. In 1981, she became a casual secretary for the school division, filling in at various schools whenever needed and earning a solid reputation along the way. Yvonne's dedication earned her a part-time secretarial job at Hapnot Collegiate two years later. When Many Faces, a non-traditional high school, opened in 1992, she became its first secretary, splitting her time between the two high schools. Over the years, she watched Many Faces grow from fewer than 50 students to over 150 pupils. Three years ago, when the school required a full-time secretary, she gladly accepted the additional hours. During her time at Many Faces, Yvonne became more than just the school secretary. She was an active participant in school events, whether it was lathering up a sponge at car wash fundraisers or cooking turkey for Christmas luncheons. "I like the staff I work with, and I especially love the kids," she says. "I'm going to miss the staff, and the kids, big time." Co-principal Kathleen Woodward says the feeling is definitely mutual. "When I think of Yvonne, I think about her dedication to the job and her loyalty," she says. "She's been extremely loyal to the staff and students at Many Faces, certainly going above and beyond what's required of her job." In her retirement, Yvonne plans to visit her daughters and hockey-playing grandsons in Alberta. She also has hobbies to keep her busy, including a quilt that's been on the go for the last five years. And no one will be surprised to see her make her way down to Many Faces for the occasional visit.12/15/2004
