By Gabriella Payne
After more than three decades, an inspiring husband and wife duo have bid adieu to their beloved workplace and home away from home, St Francis Xavier College. Len and Loretta Cooke may have walked out the school gates for the final time, but along the way they have helped shape the lives of countless young students and left a lasting legacy at the school – but now it’s on to the next chapter.
High school can be a challenging, transitional time for many students – but the teachers and people who guide you along the way can make all the difference, bettering your life in the long run.
For the past 33 years, that’s exactly what Len and Loretta Cooke have done.
With down to earth, approachable attitudes and a passion for education, both Len, a long-time teacher and his wife Loretta, who worked in the front office, poured their hearts and souls into the school over the years.
A beloved part of the St Francis Xavier College community, the pair shared many incredible experiences with students and colleagues throughout their careers – but at the end of 2021, they decided it was time to turn the page and explore the next chapter of their lives.
“We always thought we were very privileged, but they made it feel that way for us,“ Loretta said, taking a moment to reflect.
“We were very fortunate that when we started, you could have that closer connection to students, so we went to their 21st’s and things – we just loved having that connection with the kids.“
“I do miss it, but I don’t know if the kids would miss me because I would always be on them for being late to school,“ she laughed.
“It’s a good place (to work) and we were always so supported by the staff and students – it was a privilege.“
Len, who was always known for his sense of humour and beaming smile, agreed.
“But it’s very easy to be nice to nice people, and that’s what made us smile,“ he said.
“I was a bit of a late bloomer as I didn’t become qualified (as a teacher) until I was 35,“ Len explained, but he said from the moment they began working at the college in 1988, he and Loretta were both “welcomed“ with open arms.
In his 33 years of teaching, Len wore many hats including as a Head of House, Religious Education Coordinator, Youth Ministry coordinator, IT and RE teacher, and perhaps most notably, he helped set up the first computer lab of the school, back in the late 80s.
“When I first started teaching IT it was new and had so much potential, and that has shown to be true!“ he laughed.
Although he is “not up to date“ on the latest technology now, Len said it had been fascinating to see IT develop over the years and a few of his students had gone on to achieve some incredible things in the sector.
“I’ve got one past student who is working with NASA in the states now, but I don’t think I taught him much!“ the ever-humble Len said.
“I just think providing the facilities and opportunities was what helped that boy (reach NASA) – he was always going to go miles anyway.“
Loretta said that her husband was loved by all as “a bit of a clown“ who would happily provide a helping hand to anyone in need – and he was famous on campus for his obsession with trains!
“He could always make people laugh, and he was very good at teaching students about trains – he was always watching them go by,“ she said.
“The school is in the most prime position for that!“
As well as his love for locomotives, Len was always one who would put his hand up for extra curricular activities and over the years, went on many a school trip and helped put on school productions too.
Vincent Feeney, the principal of St Francis Xavier College, said that both Len and Loretta would be sorely missed by the entire school community, as they had made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
“Loretta and Len Cooke’s connection and commitment to St Francis Xavier College was both deep and personal.
“So personal that their daughter, College Vice Captain in her Year 12, attended here and they spent a sizeable portion of their working lives in service to this community,“ Vincent said.
“Loretta’s knowledge of community and family stories is legendary.
“She can always put a name to a face and to this day when she sees people down the street can remember them, their siblings and their parents.
“She can even tell you when they went to SFXC.
“Everyday she wore a welcoming smile as the first face people saw when they came to reception and made sure they felt welcomed,“ he said.
“Len held a number of senior roles over his time… and helped set up the first computer lab of the school.
“Known for his story telling and love of trains he must have been drawn to work at the college by its proximity to the train line!
“He was generous with his support of student extra curricula activities such as school trips (Italy, the Western Front, Central Australia and World Youth Day) and retreats where his story tells skills would come to the fore.
“He was always a champion for the students, for they were at the heart of his sense of vocation and why so many will have a Mr Cooke story to tell their children.
“Usually funny, but always a teacher who went out of his way to know and understand his students as people – just as Loretta did in her work,“ he said.
The couple said that while it was sad to say goodbye, they were looking forward to putting their feet up and “relaxing and enjoying life“ in retirement – and they thanked everyone at the school for the wonderful memories they would cherish for years to come.
“We’ve had great principals and colleagues, but my focus has always been on the students,“ Len said.
“I think if you treat the students as somebody special and individual, the vast majority of the time, they will respond positively to that.
“Sometimes the effort you put in isn’t seen until after you’ve left – but you should never give up on anybody.“
